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Computer and Information Science: Your Starting Point..

This guide is designed specifically for students doing research in Computer and Information Science

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Identify and clearly define your topic

Identify and clearly define your topic

** Avoid broad subjects (information overload)

** Narrow topics will limit your sources (not enough information)

  • Find background information
  • Use catalogs to locate books
  • Use indexes to find journal articles
  • Formulate an effective search strategy
  • Find the journals which contains your articles
  • Evaluate sources
  • Cite your sources

Types of Articles & Information

Types of Articles

1. Scholarly articles are written by professionals in the field -- authors are subject matter experts, the information and data has been researched & reviewed.

     

2. Non-scholarly articles are written in popular magazines -- information is not researched -- articles are often biased and based on opinions

  • New Scientist
  • Science News

3. Trade publications cover business trends, new products or techniques, and organizational news -- written by staff or contributing authors

  • Computer Weekly
  • Computer - Aided Engineering

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Types of Information

1. Primary Sources are original documents or records of events described by someone who participated or witnessed the events. For example: government census, historical documents, statistical data, or manuscripts.

2. Secondary Sources are works that have been analyzed, an interpretation or review of the original work. For example: reviews, monographs, handbooks or literary criticisms.