Assignment 7: Conducting Research And Gathering Information

Assignment 7 Conducting Researchgathering Information From Sourceslib

Explore how books, journal articles, and periodicals are sorted in a university library, and learn to access sources via computer portals. Use keywords effectively when searching for sources, including online tools like Google and Google Scholar, and access the Ashworth College online library and Learning Resource Center for research support. Use scanning and skimming techniques to evaluate sources efficiently, and maintain systematic citation records immediately when sources are identified. Employ consistent note-taking methods and practice paraphrasing closely to avoid plagiarism. Develop a research-based five-paragraph essay on the topic of large-scale corporate farming versus organic farming, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, supported by credible sources. Follow proper APA citation style for all references and in-text citations, and understand the importance of ethical and accurate source documentation during research.

Paper For Above instruction

In conducting effective research, understanding how to locate and evaluate sources is fundamental. A university library offers a structured environment where resources such as books, journals, and periodicals are systematically organized, often by the Library of Congress classification scheme or subject headings. Familiarity with this organization, along with computer portals, enables students to efficiently search for relevant information using keywords, author names, titles, and subject headings. Such skills are essential in narrowing down vast quantities of information to sources pertinent to one's research topic.

When searching online, tools like Google and Google Scholar facilitate access to broad and scholarly sources, respectively. While Google is user-friendly, it often yields a wide array of sources of varying credibility, emphasizing the importance of discerning reliability. Conversely, Google Scholar specializes in academic articles, theses, and books, providing a more scholarly focus. Access to these digital repositories, alongside university-provided resources like the Ashworth College online library and Learning Resource Center (LRC), allows students to find credible, peer-reviewed sources necessary for high-quality research projects. The LRC offers tutorials, discussion forums, and supplemental resources, making it a valuable support system for developing research skills.

Effective research also involves the ability to scan and skim sources for relevance efficiently. Scanning entails quickly reviewing abstracts, table of contents, or section headings to determine if a source warrants closer examination. Skimming involves reading introductory paragraphs, topic sentences, or summaries to assess a source’s applicability. For example, when researching the impact of factory farming on the environment, scanning for keywords like “soil erosion,” “greenhouse gases,” or “soil depletion” can expedite the identification of relevant sources. Experts often assess and summarize source relevance within a short timeframe using these techniques, thereby saving valuable research time.

Maintaining meticulous citation records from the outset is crucial. When a promising source is found, completing a citation information form immediately—detailing authors, titles, publication dates, URLs, and other bibliographic data—prevents future frustration. This systematic approach supports proper referencing and avoids unintentional plagiarism. Note-taking methods should be consistent, whether using note cards, digital files, or notebooks, with clear attribution of sources, page numbers, and relevant details. Paraphrasing should be performed carefully, ensuring that the original meaning is preserved while using one's own words; citations must always accompany paraphrased content to uphold academic integrity.

Constructing a research-based five-paragraph essay involves synthesizing findings into a clear, persuasive argument. For example, an essay contrasting corporate agri-business and organic farming can include an introduction that challenges misleading food industry images, followed by body paragraphs that outline environmental and societal impacts of factory farms, emphasizing issues like greenhouse gas emissions, soil degradation, and chemical runoff. Conversely, the benefits of organic farming—soil fertility, biodiversity, sustainability, and community re-humanization—are detailed. The conclusion should reiterate that local organic farming supports environmental health, public well-being, and community resilience more effectively than large-scale corporate agriculture.

Throughout the writing process, adherence to APA citation style is essential. In-text citations must correspond accurately to full references listed alphabetically at the end, formatted with a hanging indent. Sources such as academic journal articles, government reports, and reputable websites should be cited with author names, publication dates, titles, and retrieval information. This consistent and meticulous referencing not only lends credibility to the research but also demonstrates academic honesty. Familiarity with citation guides, such as Purdue’s OWL or the Cornell APA Style guide, supports proper formatting and enhances the professionalism of the paper.

In conclusion, effective research combines strategic source gathering, critical evaluation through scanning and skimming, diligent citation management, and ethical paraphrasing. Using these skills, a researcher can produce compelling, well-supported academic writing that contributes meaningfully to scholarly conversations about important issues like sustainable agriculture. Ultimately, mastering these research techniques empowers students to produce high-quality, credible, and ethically sound academic work that informs public debate and policy making.

References

• Farrell, R. R. (2007, June 10). Factory farms: Are they good for consumers? Retrieved from [URL]
• Ikerd, J. (1999). Organic agriculture faces the commercialization of production systems: Specialized systems and the economical stakes. Retrieved from [URL]
• Massey, R., & Ulmer, A. (2010). Agriculture and greenhouse gas emissions. University of Missouri: Commercial agriculture program. Retrieved from [URL]
• Pleasant, B. (2011). Organic pest control: What works, what doesn’t. Mother Earth News, June/July. Retrieved from [URL]
• University of Michigan. (2010). Land degradation. Global change. Retrieved from [URL]
• Unknown Author. (2009, July 20). How fertilizers harm the earth more than they help your lawn. Retrieved from [URL]
• Scientific American. (2009). Environmental hazards of petroleum-based chemicals. Retrieved from [URL]
• Massey, R., & Ulmer, A. (2010). Agriculture and greenhouse gas emissions. [Journal/Report] Retrieved from [URL]
• U. of Michigan. (2010). Soil erosion and land loss. Retrieved from [URL]
• Cornell University. (n.d.). APA Style Guide. Retrieved from [URL]