Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Academic Search Premier and a Subject Specific Database

  1. While doing a research on my topic I found relevant results on both of the database so I chose to use both the  database for my research.
  2. However, PsycINFO gave more relevant results and Academic Search Premier gave more specific results for my topic.
  3. I was able to narrow down my results in Academic Search Premier by using ("native  and american"or indian or tribes) and (language or communicate* or oral) and (child* or youth or adolescen*). For PsycINFOR I used the same search string ("native and american" or indian or tribe) and ( language or communicate* or oral) and (child* or youth or adolescen*). I also used advanced search for both database to narrow down my topic but Academic Search Premier gave me more specific results than PsycINFO.
  4. My first string worked well and I found good results.
  5. The relevant articles I was able to find on Academic Search Premier was 497 and PsycINFO was 6126.
  6. On Academic Search Premier there was 247 in full text and there were some with "FindIt" options but I was not sure how to count it and see if it needed required ILL request, on this I needed help for further research. On PsycINFO there was 1100 in full text and almost all of them had "FindIt" option.
  7. Since working with database my research has not changed at all because I have found specific topics related to my research.
  8. The biggest challenge for me while composing my topic was not being sure of question itself whether it was directed towards the population or other factors and also narrowing down the topic. I think I can overcome those challenges by preparing myself before doing any research questions or strings and asking myself what, why and how? Then, following all the steps that I have learned so far in IM 204 class.
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2 comments:

  1. RachelFebruary 29, 2012 at 5:39 PM

    Hi Sonia,

    Thank you for your post comparing PsycINFO and Academic Search Premier.

    What do you mean when you say that PsycINFO gave you more relevant results, and that Academic Search Premier gave you more specific results? What is the difference?

    Re: FindIt!: The FindIt button appears when an item is not in full text. In PsycINFO, all of your results should have a FindIt button, because they only provide the abstracts and references for each article. FindIt does not necessarily mean that you have to fill out an ILL request; it could just mean that the article is available in full text in another SCSU-owned database, or that it is available in a print periodical to which SCSU subscribes, or that it is available in microfiche/microfilm, which you would access using special machines in the Periodicals section of the library. Click on the FindIt button for an article with a promising abstract, and see where it takes you! If you do have to fill out an ILL request, it is not a terrible thing--ILL requests are free, and usually they take less than a week to arrive. You will either receive your ILL request via email or be asked to pick up a print copy at the Circulation Desk.

    The steps that you have taken to construct your research questions and search strings are wise ones! Sometimes we have to learn a little about a topic before we can generate a question. Keep me posted if you have any more questions about your research process.

    Sincerely,
    Professor Wexelbaum

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    1. soniaApril 28, 2012 at 10:02 PM

      On PsycINFO I found the relevant results that supported the topic of native american and language extinction.The articles were very informative and good. But on Academic Search Premier I found the articles on the extinction of Sioux native american language in specific.

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