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Quantitative Research Methods & Analysis

Course Number: SK312-BR4

Subject: Social Work

I. Introduction

This guide builds on the Literature Review Research Methods module in your SK312-BR4 MyLearningSpace (MyLS) course site and will be used for in-class activities on Thurs. Nov. 9.

 

II. Quick Recap

The MyLS Literature Review Research Methods module focuses on:

  1. Developing your topic and drafting a research question.
    • Preliminary searching and learning about your topic is key.
  2. Reviewing the literature.
    • There are different ways to review literature - your methods need to fit your project.
      • Where will you search?
      • What keywords will help you identify relevant literature?
      • What search tactics will improve results?

 

Where might you search for: (i) 8 peer-reviewed articles versus (ii) 8 of the most recent and/or influential peer-reviewed articles by researchers in your field?

 

Your Project (Assignment) Goals

  • Do a literature review (4-5 pages, 8 sources) for a research proposal.
    • Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of literature about your topic.
    • Synthesize findings from across the literature about your topic.

 

Where have you been searching for literature? What questions do you have so far?

 

III. Activity: Searching for Peer-reviewed Articles

  1. Copy the following search: "housing first" Canada
  2. Paste the search into each of the following tools, and run it.
  3. Answer these questions:
    • How many results did you get?
    • What are the dates for the first 3 results?
    • What journals are the first 3 results from?