Comparing Internet and Database Searches

Purpose: Demonstrates the differences between database and Internet searches, particularly with respect to content and search strategy.

Assignment: Choose a defined research topic, and develop a search strategy for retrieving information relevant to the topic. Then run the search on the web. Search in more than one search engine and in at least one database (e.g., Academic Search Premier, Lexis-Nexis, Criminal Justice Periodical Index). Present some representation of the search results and compare the findings. Was one source better than the other? Justify your evaluation of the sources which you found most useful, as well as your choice of databases. (To complete this assignment, students will need instruction in the basic concepts of database searching, such as using Boolean operators and selecting effective search terms.)

Database Comparison

Purpose: Familiarizes students with databases and/or the library catalog and how those tools can be used for locating and retrieving relevant and timely materials. Assists students in understanding differences between and similarities in different research tools, and in determining effective search strategies when using these tools.

Assignment: Identify a relevant research topic and explore it through two research tools (such as an interdisciplinary database and a specialized database, or the online catalog and one journal database). Compare and contrast the databases, noting differences in purpose, subjects covered, types of resources indexed, and availability of full text. Comment on the usefulness of each database (or catalog) in providing information on your particular topic. Note major differences and similarities between your search experiences with each research tool.

Comparing Search Strategies

Find a newspaper article about a national event, such as the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Make note of your search strategy. Next find a newspaper article about a local event, for example, a flood in your area or a local crime or election. Make a note of your search strategy for this search. Compare the two strategies. How are they alike? How are they different? Which newspaper article was easier to find? Why?

Focusing Your Research

Based on what you’ve learned, refine your search question. (i.e. How does oil pollution impact marine life in the ocean?) Examine your topic using up-to-date, current information. Begin searching for in-depth, detailed information, particularly research reports, studies, and statistics from scholarly sources. Consult professional websites and organizations for developments even more recent than published works