Workbook Task 3: Practical Application of Good Science I: Finding a Topic and Database Search
1. Think about a research topic in your field of study, e.g., for a research essay or thesis. The topic should be interesting to you and you should be able to find relevant scientific literature on this topic. You are free to choose a topic. There is no need to get your tutor’s approval. Formulate a suitable title for your research paper.
2. Search for relevant literature on your topic.
a) Formulate five search terms that fit your topic and conduct a database search preferably in the Online Library via the Library and Information Services (LIS). Use Boolean operators at least once. List the search terms in a table.
b) List five scientific sources that you found with the help of your database search. Create the bibliography according to the rules in the course book/citation guidelines.
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Workbook Task 4: Practical Application of Good Science II: Introduction and Research Questions
Write an introduction for your research paper from Task 3. Remember to include all elements of an introduction and to formulate at least two research questions.
In the introduction, cite at least one source directly and paraphrase two more sources. Make sure to use the citation rules from the course book/general citation guidelines. Feel free to use sources you have already listed in Task 3.
Maximum length: one page
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Workbook Task 5: Research Methods
1. Determine an appropriate research methodology for your research paper from Task 3 and describe the appropriate methods of data collection and analysis. You only need to explain the method of data collection and analysis. Designing a questionnaire or any other instrument is not necessary.
2. Justify why the chosen research methodology is appropriate to answer your research question(s).
Maximum length: one page
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Workbook Task 6: Create Indexes
1. Create an outline for your research paper from Task 3. Take into account the structure of scientific papers and the chapters that are mandatory.
2. Create a bibliography for all sources cited in your workbook, i.e., all sources you quoted directly or paraphrased in Tasks 1-5, according to the rules in the course book/general citation guidelines.
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