We learned about researching using the Internet and in this discussion, we will apply our knowledge of the research process. For this discussion, you will go through the process of defining your topic within the broader research topic of popular culture, locating background information, developing a research question, and writing a research strategy. Finally, you will discuss which search tools you will use to find information on your popular culture topic.
Directions
Step 1: For this discussion, let’s focus on popular culture. From this broad topic narrow your focus to a specific aspect of popular culture. Include in your post your focused topic for research.
Step 2: Do some background research on your topic. Consider the range of sources you can use for background research. Include in your post the source you used for background information and what information you found that informed the development of your research question.
Step 3: Based on your research topic within the broader area of popular culture, include your research question in your discussion post.
Step 4: From the background research and the research question you developed, include in your post one search strategy you would use to find information on your topic.
Step 5: Finally, discuss which search tool(s) you would use to find information on your topic. Consider the type of information you want to find when selecting your search tool(s).
Step 6: Now that you have read your classmates’ posts along with their topics and research strategies, select two search strategies your classmates developed and use Google or another search tool and search for information on their topic using their search strategy. In your response of at least 100 words discuss what you found using the search strategy and what changes you would make to improve the search results.
Rubric
| Criteria | Meets Requirements | Needs Improvements | Does Not Meet Requirements | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student post. | Submission includes a written reflection which includes the following items: the focused topic of research, the source used for background information, the research question, one search strategy, and a discussion of which search tool(s) you would use to find information on your topic considering the type of information you want to find when selecting your search tool(s). | Submission includes an incomplete written reflection and/or does not address one of the following: the focused topic of research, the source used for background information, the research question, one search strategy, and a discussion of which search tool(s) you would use to find information on your topic considering the type of information you want to find when selecting your search tool(s). | Submission does not include a written reflection and/or does not address three or more of the following: the focused topic of research the source used for background information, the research question, one search strategy, and a discussion of which search tool(s) you would use to find information on your topic considering the type of information you want to find when selecting your search tool(s). | _/5 |
| Response to classmate. | Submission includes a written response of at least 100 words describing what changes you would make to improve your classmates’ search results. | Submission includes an incomplete written response of less than 100 words and/or does describe what changes you would make to improve your classmates’ search results. | Submission does not include a response to a classmate’s post. | _/5 |
