This introductory program was created by JSTOR to help students get familiar with basic research concepts needed for success in school. The course contains three modules, each made up of three short lessons and three sets of practice quizzes. The topics covered are subjects that will help you prepare for college-level research. Each module ends with an assessment to test your knowledge.
Descriptions are from the JSTOR Guide.
The first step in a research project is to look for sources to use in your writing. In Module 1, you'll learn techniques for successful database searching. First, you'll discover how to navigate and select from the resources available on your library's website. Next, you’ll be introduced to search strategies that return the most useful results. The final part of this module shows you how to manage information overload. It will help you find the sources you need for any given assignment.
In Module 1, you learned how to use databases to find the most relevant sources for your research. Module 2 focuses on assessing the sources you've found to make sure that they are appropriate for academic research. You'll learn what elements to examine in order to find out whether a publication is scholarly. Then, you'll find out how to tell the difference between these scholarly sources and popular sources. You will also learn how to evaluate websites to see whether they're credible sources for your research.
In Modules 1 and 2, you learned how to search for sources and determine whether or not they're appropriate for your research. In Module 3, you’ll learn how to document your use of these sources in your writing. This module shows you how to create citations in the body of your writing and how to compile a list of the works you've cited. You’ll also learn how to avoid plagiarism by distinguishing your words and ideas from those of your sources.
Use of RIT resources is reserved for current RIT students, faculty
and staff for academic and teaching purposes only.
Please contact your librarian with any questions.
