Infomation Competence Tool Box

Competence Toolbox
(Thisn page designed for Netscape, edited 9/27/04 ADA)

Problem Definition
Access
Evaluation
Analysis
Presentation
Communication

If you have corrections, suggestions or requests for this page please send an email to: jross@csub.edu

Problem Definition*

Developing a Topic(CSUB Library)

Narrowing a Topic(CSUB Library)

Developing a Thesis Statement(CSUB Library)

Types of Papers/Presentations (Not updated ASAP)

Accessing Information
Library

Foundations of Searching(CSUB Library)
Boolean Logic(CSUB Library)
Constructing a Search Strategy(CSUB Library)
Finding Articles and sources What Is a Periodical Database? Types of Databases, Newspaper Articles (ASAP), Books (ASAP)
An example of a general interest data base EBSCOhost Search Guide [CSUB Guide] or Searching EBSCOhost [EBSCO Help pages]
An example for Sociology: Sociological Abstracts (Christy Gavin)

Web

Evaluation/Credibility

Mass Media vs Social Science
Distinguishing Scholarly from Other Periodicals (Note: many instructors want only scholarly sources)
Evaluation of Web and other Sources

Analysis

SPSS
EXCEL

Presentation

Some Guidelines for Social Science Library Research Papers(not complete)
Writing Empirical Research Designs and Reports--Charles McCall
Checking your presentation for spelling, grammer and fallacies (Jim ASAP)
Referencing APSA (American Political Science Association) ASA (American Sociological Association Documentation Style), Etc.
Word-processing
Power Point
Web Page Creation
Digital Photos
Video
Avoiding Plagerism: Plagerism by Earl Babbie, example of plagerism

Communication

Email CSUB,

*Note: The problem definiton section is focused on topics for academic projects. There are related but diffirent problems that occur (How far is it to San Francisco, How do I get to San Francisco, what car should I buy, is a medical diagnosis for myself or someone close to me the best, should I get an on-demand water heater, etc.) The techniques discussed here with some adaptation can be used for these problems as well. For a quick look at some quick sources for these topics check Quick Facts from the Web (Not updated ASAP) .

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