Tools of Research
TOOLS OF RESEARCH
* Research Tool – is a specific mechanism or strategy the researcher uses to collect, manipulate, or interpret data. * Research Methodology – is the general approach the researcher takes in carrying out the research project, to some extent, this approach dictates the particular tools that the researcher selects.
THE SIX GENERAL TOOLS OF RESEARCH 1. The library and its resources
For thousands of years, the library served primarily as a repository of books and manuscripts. It was, for the most part, only a slowly expanding universe of knowledge, one that could be comfortably contained within masonry walls.
In the 20th century, the role of the library changed. An explosion of information occurred. Research altered old ideas in almost every domain of human interest. Libraries had to come to grips with two important facts. First, they certainly could not hold all the world’s information within their walls. Second, and perhaps more important, the library patrons were becoming more sophisticated in their needs and desires and placed increasing priority on ease and speed of access to information. In response, libraries began acquiring new technologies for storing vast amount of information (e.g.,CD-ROM) to augment the shelves of books and periodicals that line their walls.
In the future, the library must continue to evolve. With the advances in telecommunications, library may eventually exist, literally without limits. * HOW TO ACCESS KNOWLEDGE QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY A. Library catalogs
An alphabetical listing, especially of books in a library, made with a separate card for each item. B. Indexes and abstracts
Indexes and abstracts are tools for identifying articles in journals. You may also be able to use them to identify book chapters, dissertations, conference papers and other secondary sources. C. The reference librarian These individuals are there for one reason: to help you and others find the information
* Research Tool – is a specific mechanism or strategy the researcher uses to collect, manipulate, or interpret data. * Research Methodology – is the general approach the researcher takes in carrying out the research project, to some extent, this approach dictates the particular tools that the researcher selects.
THE SIX GENERAL TOOLS OF RESEARCH 1. The library and its resources
For thousands of years, the library served primarily as a repository of books and manuscripts. It was, for the most part, only a slowly expanding universe of knowledge, one that could be comfortably contained within masonry walls.
In the 20th century, the role of the library changed. An explosion of information occurred. Research altered old ideas in almost every domain of human interest. Libraries had to come to grips with two important facts. First, they certainly could not hold all the world’s information within their walls. Second, and perhaps more important, the library patrons were becoming more sophisticated in their needs and desires and placed increasing priority on ease and speed of access to information. In response, libraries began acquiring new technologies for storing vast amount of information (e.g.,CD-ROM) to augment the shelves of books and periodicals that line their walls.
In the future, the library must continue to evolve. With the advances in telecommunications, library may eventually exist, literally without limits. * HOW TO ACCESS KNOWLEDGE QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY A. Library catalogs
An alphabetical listing, especially of books in a library, made with a separate card for each item. B. Indexes and abstracts
Indexes and abstracts are tools for identifying articles in journals. You may also be able to use them to identify book chapters, dissertations, conference papers and other secondary sources. C. The reference librarian These individuals are there for one reason: to help you and others find the information