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The research process has six steps, described below: Step 1 | Find a topic you're interested in. Step 2 | Identify keywords connected to the topic. Step 3 | Use these keywords to search for articles and books related to the topic in library databases or Google Scholar and scan them to see if they're relevant to your research. Step 4 | Sometimes, your searches will lead you to change your research topic, which is okay; just go back to Step 2 and identify some new keywords. Step 5 | Evaluate the sources you've gathered for accuracy and relevance to your topic and cite them properly. Step 6 | Synthesize the sources you've evaluated into a clear, original thesis statement and write your research paper. |
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These three words (And, Or, Not) are used as connectors between your search terms. They are Boolean Operators. "And" | Narrows the number and focus of results, and results contain sources with all search terms. For example:
"Or" | Broadens the number and focus of results, and results contain sources with any of your search terms. It's used with synonyms and related terms. For example:
"Not" | Narrows the number and focus of results and eliminates sources containing the term after "not". For example:
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Determining if a source is credible and reliable can be challenging. Use the SIFT method to help you analyze information, especially news or other online media. STOP | Do you know anything about the website or source of information you found? What about its reputation? It's purpose? You'll want to know these things before you read it, cite it, or share it on social media. INVESTIGATE THE SOURCE | It's important to know the expertise and agenda of your source. Try a Google search of the author or publisher to find out what others say about them. Open multiple tabs. FIND TRUSTED COVERAGE | Look for the best information on a topic or scan multiple sources to see what the consensus is. Find something in-depth and read about more viewpoints. Even if you don't agree with the consensus, it will help you to investigate further. TRACE CLAIMS, QUOTES, & MEDIA | Is there a study or report mentioned in the article? Find the original report to see if it was accurately reported. What about images? A reverse-image search may be necessary. |
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Google Scholar helps you find relevant work across the world of scholarly research. It allows you to find articles, theses, abstracts, and court opinions. Articles for which we have paid access will have @ University of Lynchburg linked in the margin.
When you are off-campus, Google Scholar will forget that we are your home library. So, in order to keep finding University of Lynchburg resources, follow the steps below to set up your library links:
Created by physicians for use primarily at the 'point-of-care', the DynaMed App is updated daily and monitors the content of over 500 medical journals and systematic-review databases.
NOTE: You must follow these steps every 90 days to retain access
1. To authenticate, access the Library's Desktop version of DynaMed from the Database A-Z List and create a personal account using the "sign in" link at the upper portion of the screen). NOTE: you must sign in or create an account using the Desktop version link for DynaMed to authenticate on the University of Lynchburg network.
2. If not already installed: download the free DynaMed app from the App store or Google Play.
3. From your mobile device, sign into DynaMed using the personal account you created.
4. For first time users, the DynaMed App opens on your device and begins the initial content download.
NOTE: It is recommended that you are on a Wi-Fi connection for the initial download of DynaMed content as well as when updates become available.
AMA referencing style was created by the American Medical Association for the purpose of writing medical research. For formatting help and citation examples, try New York Medical College
Citing Dynamed in AMA
Zotero is a free and open-source reference management software to manage bibliographic data and related research materials. For help downloading and navigating Zotero, check out the Zotero Library Guide.
Exporting references from PubMed to RefWorks requires a few extra steps. Watch the tutorial below to learn more.
**UPDATE**
We now know that PubMed does not get along well with the RefWorks Browser Extension. Using the browser extension in PubMed results in sluggish response, error messages, and failure to import resources. ProQuest is aware of the problem, and attempting to resolve it. There is a way to bypass the browser extension and export citations directly from PubMed to Refworks. Use the links below for instructions that walk you through the steps.
Still having problems? Let us know by contacting Katie Glaeser!
The Knight-Capron librarians offer one-on-one research appointments, both in-person and online, to help you with your research projects. Click the button below to schedule!
The Wilmer Writing Center assists student researchers with remedial to advanced levels of writing in all fields. Remember that even professional athletes need coaches!
Writing Center Appointment
PASS leaders conduct group tutoring sessions multiple times a week and provide drop-in hours to meet individually with any student who would like more assistance.
Pass Schedules
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The Peer Academic Coaching (PAC) Program offers individual assistance to help you develop better organizational skills with course materials, study habits, and more.
Peer Academic Coaching Appointment
The Math Engagement Center (MEC) offers tutoring, both in-person and online, for quantitative courses like Math and Statistics.
