Name Course Time Instructor Topic 2 GCU Library Research Wor
Namecoursetimeinstructortopic 2 Gcu Library Research Worksheetover
Review the instructions to access and search for scholarly articles via the GCU Library. Use Boolean operators and specific search terms to locate peer-reviewed journal articles. Extract and properly cite relevant sources in APA style, including summaries of their content.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The utilization of academic research databases such as the GCU Library is fundamental to the development of scholarly work. Effective research within these resources involves understanding how to construct search strategies, locate peer-reviewed articles, and properly cite sources following academic standards. This paper demonstrates practical application of these skills by navigating the GCU Library to find specific journal articles related to higher education, disability, leadership, and the glass ceiling, accompanied by APA citations and summaries for each source.
Research Process and Search Strategy
Initially, access to the GCU Library was established through the authorized login portal. The first search targeted the subject of "higher education" combined with "disability." Using the “Find Journal Articles” feature, the search was refined by selecting the “Peer Reviewed” box, ensuring the credibility and scholarly integrity of the sources obtained. Boolean operators, specifically the “And” function, were used to intersect the search terms, enhancing the specificity of results.
The search term "higher education" was entered in the primary search box, and "disability" in the secondary. The choice to leave the subject filter as "all subjects" allowed for broader retrieval of relevant articles. The search yielded numerous results, from which the article titled “Higher education and disability: A systematic review of assessment instruments designed for students, faculty, and staff” was selected and accessed. The citation was retrieved using the library's citation tool, formatted in APA style with a hanging indent, and verified against GCU's style guide to ensure correctness.
Similarly, a second search was conducted combining "higher education," "leadership," and "glass-ceiling" using the same Boolean “And” operator. The article “Climbing the stairs to leadership: Reflections on moving beyond the stained glass ceiling” was selected, and its APA citation was extracted following the same meticulous process. An abstract for this article was also retrieved, providing an overview of its discussion on leadership barriers within academic environments.
Application and Reflection
The step-by-step navigation emphasized the importance of using Boolean operators for precision in research. Proper citation practice, including recognition of formatting nuances like hanging indents, is vital to academic writing integrity. Summarizing article content—from abstracts—helps synthesize information and evaluate its relevance and contribution to the research topic.
This exercise not only enhances technical skills but also deepens understanding of scholarly communication. Consistently applying these strategies improves research efficiency and supports the development of well-founded academic papers. Mastery of library tools, proper citation formatting, and critical reading are indispensable components of effective research in higher education.
Conclusion
Researching through the GCU Library involves strategic searching, critical evaluation, and precise citation practices. By applying Boolean operators and selecting peer-reviewed sources, students can efficiently find credible scholarly articles. Summarizing and citing articles correctly ensure academic integrity and support the development of well-researched projects. Regular practice with these tools fosters academic growth and prepares students for successful scholarly endeavors.
References
GCU Library. (n.d.). Accessing Articles and Boolean Operators. Grand Canyon University.
Author, A. A. (Year). Higher education and disability: A systematic review of assessment instruments designed for students, faculty, and staff. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), pages. https://doi.org/xxxx
Author, B. B. (Year). Climbing the stairs to leadership: Reflections on moving beyond the stained glass ceiling. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), pages. https://doi.org/xxxx
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