This keynote address argues that in order for baccalaureate and masters degree students to apply research to make better judgments and decisions in their life-affecting practice and in response to the information revolution, the helping professions need to redesign (from the bottom up) not overhaul (make a few changes in) the way research methods…

In order to locate and study the primary sources needed in film research, a combination of bibliographies, advice from experienced research workers, and scripts, pressbook files, and film-print collections must be used. This discussion provides suggestions for locating and using archival film materials and examines some of the standard references…

There is no question that the many journals published here and around the world provide a common ground for scholars to evaluate theories or findings proposed by their peers. In the field of mass communication, the visual component should be included as a useful tool in discussing relevant issues of the day; further, the editing and preparation of…

Presents a colloquium in which five scholars examine issues facing researchers in the history of business communication: how to identify topics and research questions; where to find archival and published sources; how to interpret texts and set them in context; special problems to overcome in historical research; and what work needs to be done.…

Argues that, because of the chaotic nature of the Web and the competing searching software, no single search tool will suffice. Lists and discusses meta search engines; communication meta-sites and subject directories, all indexed by humans; teaching resources for communication courses that utilize the unique features of the Web; and web sites…

The number of history reference works has proliferated at a tremendous rate in the past few decades. The effective use of these tools is one of the most important research skills of the historian. Bibliographies should be understood as more than just books that list books. The design and workings of these tools are meant to influence search…

A study investigated the hypotheses that law students researching a problem together would learn legal research better than those working individually, and that group work during class time under teacher supervision would reduce the intimidation of manual research tools. Results and some classroom materials are presented. (MSE)

This book is designed to help college students develop information and research skills. Twenty-one chapters cover the following topics: (1) "Information Content, Information Packages"; (2) "Reference Works: Finding Facts Fast"; (3) "Directories"; (4) "Biographical Dictionaries"; (5) "Encyclopedias"; (6) "Dictionaries, Thesauruses, and Other Word…

In order to meet the needs of a diverse user population from three different institutions of higher learning, this information packet presents a menu of instructional options from which patrons can choose. (Located on a large urban campus, the Auraria Library serves students, faculty, and staff from the Community College of Denver, the…

This study guide provides an overview and model of business research. First, introductory material defines research and discusses the benefits of studying business research methods for both producers and consumers of research. In the next section different types of research are discussed, including experimental, ex post facto, quasi-experimental,…

Intended for use by teachers, librarians, and others interested in helping college students produce well-written term papers, this collection of materials was prepared by librarians as a result of their work in a term paper writing clinic. The first item in the collection is a description and evaluation report of the term paper clinic. The report…

EXPER SIM is a computer-based experimental simulation system which allows instructors to develop models of experiments in their discipline, as well as providing access to simulation developed by others. These simulations are used to provide students with an integrated research training experience without the problems which often accompany real…

The effectiveness of manual and computer-assisted legal research (CALR) methods are examined and compared, and the limitations of each are noted. The current state of law students' research skills is then discussed, and the Brooklyn Law School (New York) response to the problem, integrating the methods, is described. (MSE)

Details the impact of online databases, PROQUEST in particular, on composition students' research. Indicates a need for more instruction that addresses new literacies emerging from the current transitional age of electronic and print cultures. Presents new evaluative methods for online documents that utilize knowledge of online genres, information…

Problems involved in providing practical research experience in research methods courses are discussed. The two points in the research process where time is most critical are selecting measures and data collection. This paper suggests using a data base from previous research and having students conduct simulated studies based on randomly selected…