CHEM 2601K: Chemistry Research Methods

A Process requires several steps.  Sometimes you will have to REPEAT the same steps OVER, and OVER, and OVER to achieve the results you want.  Be Patient.  Allow TIME.  Enjoy the Process!

If given a choice, Choose a Topic you have Interest in and Feel Passionate about.

Formulate your Topic as a Question.  Why?

• Questions REQUIRE Answers!
  
• Questions give you a way of Evaluating the Evidence!
  
• A Clear Open Ended Question calls for Real Research and Thinking!
  

Take a Look at this Tutorial on the Asa H Gordon Website for additional information and Resources.

Once you have a Question.  Start Brainstorming Key Word Concepts.

• Syllabus (if you have one)
  
• Text Book (if you have one, or borrow one)
  
• Other readings from class
  
• During your preliminary research
   - what terms are being used to describe this conept, Look at the Subject Terms in a database
  
• Professor notes/ ppt slides 
• Conversations with your Research Mentor
• Ask a Librarian/Research Coach

Once you have a couple of main concepts, brainstorm synonyms for these concepts!  The more terms you have, the more options you have!

Here is a sample Concept Map that you can use to help you determine search terms for your topic:

Use "quotes" for searching phrases (example: "polymer chemistry")

Use an * to trunctate a word: to search multiple formats of a word (example: environment* will find environments, environmental, environmentally, etc)

While you Research notice Journal Names when you find a good Article.  Keep a list!

Notice Author Names.  Keep a List.  Search to see if that author has written anything else on the topic!

Keep a list of any keyterms/subject terms.

Do the same search again, on a different day.  See if you find any additional results.

ALWAYS check the References of any article you find! You will find additional materials. 

If the Database provides a "cited by" or "times cited" option - ALWAYS click it!

Click the "Similar items" link any time it is given to you.

TAKE NOTES!  During the process. It will help you remember what you did, where you are, and any problems you had!

ASK! We are here to help you. ASK!