Searching as Strategic Exploration: Research Log

 Context of assignment  

• This assignment is designed to engage students in the iterative process of searching strategies.
• Subjects this assignment is best suited for:  any
• Class size best suited for:  25-30
• This assignment will be worth [XX] number of points.

 Learning outcomes for students

1. To determine how to develop potential search terms.
2. To demonstrate the iterative process of searching online.
3. To exhibit how to modify search results.

 What students will need before this assignment

1. Training on developing keywords for search engines.

 Assignment:

Before you begin, read the Module for Search Engines and the Module for Strategic Search and Exploration.

 A research log is a document that helps you keep track of and think about how you search for sources. Even for advanced researchers, it's good practice to keep track of your searches, what worked for you, and what didn't. 

Students will develop potential search terms that are related to their research. Then they will begin searching, recording their process on the research log, analyze the results they have found, and begin modifying their search accordingly.

• develop potential search terms related to your topic
• analyze the results
• modify your search terms using the techniques described in the reading
• document your process using the Research Log Worksheet
• upload your research log to this assignment and submit your work

Research Log Worksheet Download Research Log Worksheet

Adapted from a Information Literacy Grant written by Brown, C., Sinex, L., and Laherty, J., PSY 102 Introduction to Psychology 2, Online.