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Finding sources for research paper
Fizban140
Registered User, __BANNED USERS regular
Registered User, __BANNED USERS regular
I am trying to do a paper on Boys Falling behind in school, specifically elementary school. I have a couple books and websites on it, but I can find very, very little actual data. Just other peoples interpretations of the data. I actually found some data that goes against my thesis, that is the school system uses teaching methods that favor girls. The problem with that data is that it was poorly sourced and I couldn't find what the actual data was outside of something that was used in that paper.
Where can I find actual data?
Where can I find actual data?
Fizban140 on
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Does you library have an online presence where you can search for journal articles?
Go to a nearby university with a decent library and use their resources. You won't be able to check anything out, but you can photocopy what you need.
If you're looking for real data, I'd suggest that the best sources are teacher action research reports - simple, small data collected by real teachers. The information is often way more effective than the scholarly equivalents, though often not as universal.
As to where to find that specific information? I'm not really sure.
Though, it also depends on what course you are taking, and maybe full blown journal articles won't be necessary.
How important is this paper?
I am trying to start it but I am finding that I do not have sufficient data, so do I find data to support my argument (sounds so horrible) or build my argument around data I find?
As far as data/argument:
Take your thesis "boys fall behind because of x", then find data, and note if the data proves, disproves or is inconclusive regarding your thesis. If it's inconclusive, find more.
After that I found a couple books related to teaching boys in elementary school, traced their sources for data and came upon information that lead me to believe that the problem is not a lack of male teachers, boys grades used to be better in comparison to girls historically and there have always been very few male teachers. What I did find is that with womens rights movement the teaching methods have changed to favor the way girls learn, this was done several times until the early 90s when it was (according to the article) overdone to the point where many boys are now falling behind like they are.
Unfortunately I can't find much data on this, most of the sources I found are more opinion than numbers. I can't find the actual changes to the teaching methods.
A book that argues a certain thing can be used as a source, however I would make it clear that this is simply the books argument and not a scientific paper.
You should talk to your librarian and see what they have subscriptions to, then search those.
Which college do you go to? Normandale? If you tell me I might know offhand things that they are connected with, often community colleges have deals with larger colleges to use some of their resources.
I'm sure the point of the assignment is to teach you how to do research and how to write a paper. Were the point to work on rhetorical skills and strategies, then you might simply pick a side and argue for or against it.
When tasked with answering a question you should always be doing or reviewing the research and then writing about what the research says. The research is inconclusive or weak, or that there needs to be more research are perfectly acceptable answers. You might even say that you lean towards one side, but aren't sure the research is conclusive if that is what you think is right. Also, don't apologize for the research, even if it is research that you did. If the answer isn't there or isn't what you want it to be, state that. The truth is more important than convenience.
but they're listening to every word I say
There is also probably a MnPals library search page that would help. You might have to get some sent over interlibrary loan. Found here: http://www.minneapolis.edu/library/index.html
Your colleges guide to finding articles.
http://www.minneapolis.edu/library/docs/S2011_Finding_Journal_and_Magazine_Articles.pdf
there also appears to be something here labeled Find full text: http://linker.mnpals.net.mctproxy.mnpals.net/CJDB/MCT/browse
I hate your library website the SCSU one is much better.
but they're listening to every word I say
http://www.singlesexschools.org/sax.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonard_Sax
Don't cite wikipedia, but use it as a platform to find articles that they use as sources. They often link to articles critical of a controversial viewpoint as well, so you can get a little of both sides.
editL: I would have more articles handy for you, but I'm afraid the computer with the paper on it is fried and the bibliography gone.
but they're listening to every word I say