Assignment 6

In this assignment you will refine your Internet Search and Data Retrieval skills by using a variety of online resources to explore the specific topic you selected and described in your Research Proposal. This means you will be using more than one online tool to seek information. The assignment asks you to conduct your research using an online library catalog (Voyager), invisible web resources such as full text databases (EBSCOhost, ProQuest, CQ Researcher, etc.), and multiple search engines or directories (Google, Alta Vista, Dogpile, etc.).

You may access the Hartnell databases from off-campus by using the following logon:

INTERLIT

Instructions:

Since you are conducting an exploration, you will likely collect more data than you will ultimately include in the annotated bibliography you will create for part two of this assignment. You will be evaluating each source of information to determine its validity. This means you will need to indicate whether each source is a scholarly or nonscholarly publication and whether it is a primary or secondary source.

Using your Word skills, you will keep track of your exploration on a provided template (ERD template in rich text format). Right click on the ERD template link and save to your computer. Open the ERD template using Microsoft Word or your word proceessing program). Here is a brief summary of what you will be doing to complete the first part of this assignment:

1. Search and find a defined set of sources related to your topic and briefly evaluate these sources as prescribed. Use thoughtful design and Word skills to present a well-organized and designed document.
2. Format your completed ERD to include a cover page, graphic and page numbers.

Here is an example of what your completed ERD should look like.

Exploratory Research Document

• Make sure that your document represents your best word processing skills. Run a spell check and read your document prior to submission for grading.
• Use formatting and design principles to make your document attractive and professional.

Your task is to explore the Library databases and the Internet for information on your chosen topic and record the data as you go. By keeping track of your research in this manner you will be able to easily decide which searches returned valuable information so that you can easily return to those sites later.

1. You must use at least 2 different search engines (e.g., Yahoo, Google, Ask.com etc.); the Hartnell Online Catalog (Voyager); and at least 2 different databases accessible through the Hartnell Library web site (i.e. EBSCOhost, CQ Researcher, ProQuest, etc.).You must use at least 3 different keywords or subject headings, and some of your searches should contain multiple words (e.g., breast cancer AND diagnosis). Of the 12 sources, you should find the following:
   a. 3 books
   b. 4 articles
   c. 5 other sources of your choosing.
2. Upon completion of your searching and evaluation, be sure and save your document.

Final Formatting and Submission

Once you have finished completing the exploratory research document template, submit your file using the e-College online drop box for this week.

If you have any questions or problems with this assignment contact your instructor, immediately.

Grading Rubric