Here are some resources and web sites that you should find useful as you are working on your Families in Canada independent study. Remember, as you’re researching, if you have any questions, feel free to email Ms. Martin.
Tools
Some of the tools you will need more regularly include:
- Citation Maker (APA) ~ as you find a resource, create the citation right away – it will save time and energy later!
- Sample Works Cited (APA)
- Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) – APA ~ for any of the “trickier” citations; remember, you can always check with Ms. Martin (this is the source she uses regularly if she’s unsure!)
- Plagiarism Pitfalls~ it is CRUCIAL for you to properly track, reference, and cite your sources. This handout is a reminder of what to watch out for to avoid unintentionally plaigiarizing your papers.
Research Process
- Starting your Research – Process & Investigation (Ms. Martin’s Step 2 presentation)
- ISU Brainstorming template
- Opposing Viewpoints
- Subject Guide Search (to search for “subject headings”)
- Evaluating resources~ (CRAAP test) Remember – not every source of information is a GOOD source of information
- “Step 3” Advanced Searching with Boolean
Recommended Resources
Research databases
For a complete list of databases, check out the Library’s Online Resources section and click on Research Databases.
- Gale databases & ebooks ~ this will be your best starting place. This “PowerSearch” page allows you to search all of the databases at once; do a Subject Guide search first (scroll to the bottom of the screen).
- If you’re still developing your research question, try searching Opposing Viewpoints or the Families in Canada eBookshelf ~ a collection of the ebooks from within Gale that should help you browse for a topic (pay attention to the publication date…some resources are quite old – great for ideas, but you’ll need to find updated information for your research)
- Canadian Points of View ~ similar to Opposing Viewpoints, this database provides Points of View Essays which include a series of questions and additional material to generate further thought. This has a different password than Gale…check your Classroom for login info.
- Explora Canada ~ once you’ve tackled the Gale databases, this is a great next step to put your research skills to work – this databases indexes a different set of journals, newspapers, magazines, etc…with lots of good Canadian content!
- Principles of Sociology ~ this eBook is divided into 3 sections Group Relationships & Behaviours, Personal Relationships & Behaviours, and Societal Relationships & Behaviours (same password as for Gale resources)
Web sites
- Vanier Institute of the Family ~ check out the Resources drop-down list at the top; browse through the fact sheets, articles, and research summaries for topic ideas or to start your research!
- list of recommended web sites from UWO’s Family Studies librarian
- Statistics Canada ~ check out the “Subjects” section. You can access “snapshots” of data or trends over a number of years. The Analysis section is also searchable by subject.
- The Canadian Encyclopedia ~ unlike most web sites, the citations are done for you! A great place to start for an overview of a topic
- Mental Health resources from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CHMA)
