instructions: Work through each step of this log, answering each question as the directions indicate. Each step, except Step 1, will receive a grade, and the sum of these grades will constitute your total grade for Research Log Part 1. Refer to the section on how each step of the log will be graded for detailed grading information.

Most fields require text entry. If a required field is left blank, your work will not be submitted. If you would like to leave a field blank, simply type N/A.

Review your work before submitting it to your instructor for grading; you will be unable to edit it further after submitting it.

Note: Be sure to review the examples and hints provided with each step! Your answers should be similar to the examples.

Step 1: Select Your Research Question

Select a Research Question…. 1. What alternative therapies are available for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder? 2. How does automation impact the jobs outlook in the United States? 3. What is the impact of online gaming on the social development of teenagers? 4. How can mindfulness help children with disabilities?

How will Step 1 be graded? Step 1 will not receive a grade.

Step 2: Select Your Search Terms

A. Identifying Key Concepts

List the three key concepts (words, phrases, or both) that best describe the main concepts of your selected research question from Step 1.

Key Concept 1Key Concept 2Key Concept 3

Example: For the research question “How can marketing on the Internet be effective for a small business?” the key concepts are: marketing, Internet, small business

Hint: Refer to week 1 for a review of key concepts. Remember that terms like effective, impact or available are not key concepts.

B. Brainstorming Alternative/Related Terms

Review the key concepts you listed in each of the boxes above (Step 2, Part A) and identify alternative terms/synonyms or related terms for each key concept in the appropriate box below.

Key Concept 1
Alternative/Related TermsKey Concept 2
Alternative/Related TermsKey Concept 3
Alternative/Related Terms

Example: For the research question example in Step 2, Part A:

• Key Concept 1: marketing
• Key Concept 1 Alternative/Related Terms: branding, advertising, promotion

Hint: Refer to week 1 for a review of identifying alternative/related terms (keywords) for key concepts.

How will Step 2 be graded?

(4–5 points): Lists three key concepts from the research question and identifies at least two relevant alternative/related terms or synonyms as keywords for each concept.

(2–3 points): Lists at least two of the correct key concepts from the research question and includes at least one relevant alternative/related terms or synonyms as keywords.

(0–1 points): Does not correctly identify the key concepts from the research question or relevant alternative/related terms or synonyms as keywords.

Step 3: Create a Boolean Search Statement

Using all of the key concepts you identified in Step 2, Part A and some of the keywords (alternative/related terms) you identified in Step 2, Part B, create a search statement that effectively uses Boolean operators and advanced searching techniques (nesting, truncation, phrase searching).

Example: (marketing OR branding OR advertis*) AND (Internet OR Web) AND (“small business” OR entrepreneurship)

Hint: Refer to week 1 for a review of Boolean operators, search statements, and advanced searching techniques.

How will Step 3 be graded?

(4–5 points): Search statement effectively uses advanced searching techniques to connect all key concepts with few or no errors.

(2–3 points): Search statement effectively uses basic Boolean operators to connect all key concepts with few or no errors.

(0–1 points): Search statement does not include all key concepts or correctly use Boolean operators.

To save a draft of your work on this project, use the Save Draft button below. The next time you return to Research Log Project Part 1, the fields you have entered will be retrieved and entered in the project form.

Note: Most fields require text entry. If a required field is left blank, your work will not be submitted. The empty fields will be marked with asterisks to make it easier for you to supply the missing information and resubmit the form. If you would like to leave a field blank, simply type N/A.

When you have completed this project, you can submit your work to your instructor by using the Submit Project Part 1 for Grading button below. Review your work before you do this; you will be unable to edit it further after submitting it.

Click the Submit button only once. The server may take some time to process your answer.