FINAL EXAM (3/17)

SOURCES:

Catalog Search -
Author Firor, John
Title The changing atmosphere : a global challenge / John Firor
Publ. info. New Haven :
Yale University Press, 1990
Call Number: QC861.2 .F57 1990

Newspaper -
Usha Lee McFarling (2005, December 7). Hole in Ozone May Stay Longer Than Expected; With banned chemicals still being released into the Earth's atmosphere, scientists say the layer's recovery may take two decades more, till 2065 :[HOME EDITION]. Los Angeles Times,p. A.26. Retrieved March 17, 2008, from Los Angeles Times database. (Document ID: 937859241).

Academic Search Premier –
Title: Fuel ethanol production from sugarcane and corn: Comparative analysis for a Colombian case.
Authors: Quintero, J.A.1 Montoya, M.I.1 Sánchez, O.J.1,2 Giraldo, O.H.3 Cardona, C.A.1 ccardonaal@unal.edu.co
Source: Energy; Mar2008, Vol. 33 Issue 3, p385-399, 15p
Document Type: Article
ISSN: 0360-5442
DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2007.10.001
Accession Number: 29377921
Persistent link to this record: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=29377921&site=ehost-live

Disciplinary Database (Web of Science) –
Reimann S, Vollmer MK, Folini D, et al. Observations of long-lived anthropogenic halocarbons at the high-Alpine site of Jungfraujoch (Switzerland) for assessment of trends and European sources SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2-3 224-231 MAR 1

World Wide Web Search (ESS) –
Title: Earth's Protection Shield is Being Destroyed - Ozone Depletion and Global Warming
Link to article: http://www.ess-home.com/news/global-warming/ozone-depletion.asp



ESSAY:

Each summer season becomes hotter with every passing year. Our polar icecaps are heating up by the second. The sun burns brighter every day, unleashing its unforgiving heat on all it surveys. Its flames singe the very hairs on our arms, torching them until they shrivel and fall into ashes.

Fortunately for me, I have found solace from the sun in the comfy confines of the California State University, East Bay library. Upon finding my seat in this final class of library, I anxiously waited to pick my topic from that large orange envelope. When I finally got to pick my topic, I was at ease. My piece of paper read “ozone layer.”

When I dashed out of the classroom, I pondered of a question. Surely, there are numerous topics and studies about the barrier that surrounded our earth. My search would turn up too many results. When I sat down at this workstation, the question was as bright as Sol at noon: “What is the correlation between global warming and the thinning of the ozone layer?”

Quickly, I took to the keyboard. I furiously tapped on the plastic keys, propelling my search efforts. On my mock final exam, the searching was the longest part of the process. Fortunately for me, I was able to finish searching rather quickly.

Reading through my sources, I realized that many of these things have been discussed on television and the radio. Newscasters and reporters liberally slung “global warming” and “ozone layer.” These opinion leaders are the ones that shape the opinion of the public without their knowing. The rampant usage of these terms without clearly defining them stresses the importance of evaluating sources and not taking everything that is on television seriously. If truth is not divulged, problems would never be solved. Solutions would be based on invalid arguments with shaky reasons. We, as a society, would fall apart. Nothing would be fixed.

One new thing that I was able to learn, and affirm, about my topic was that there is a strong correlation between the dissipation of the ozone layer and global warming. According to the ESS, the more chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that are released in the atmosphere, the thinner the ozone layer becomes, and the more ultraviolet (UV) radiation gets through and warms up the globe. Also, in the same article, I learned that there are efforts in trying to get rid of the CFCs. There is also an ordinance in place, titled the Montreal Protocol. According to the journal of the Science of the Total Environment, the installation of the ordinance helps reduce global warming. It is comforting to know that we have taken the first step in the direction of getting our earth healthy again. Winter won’t feel like mid-spring anymore.

I did not encounter problems when searching for articles this time. Of course, starting a search is often the most difficult part. Whenever I receive an assignment, I always start at the top. For me, it’s usually the best place to start. When the final exam paper was handed to me, my mind was already scanning the catalog. When looking through, I realized the importance of having a question in mind before looking through the mounds of pages. I was glad that I had one to start with. Simply typing in “ozone” would have turned up a multitude of books. Having a question in mind gives the explorer a goal. Searching for treasure is easier than aimlessly wandering through a map without a big red “X.” After searching through the catalog, I chose my book, and moved on to searching through the other databases.

Due to my initial question, returned results were very focused on the topic. I was glad that I didn’t have to change up my topic like I did in the mock final. The articles that I found were mostly about the causes of global warming and solutions to prevent the ozone layer from thinning out. Scientific studies about the topic were numerous. This reflects the idea that scientists are hard at work in protecting the future of the earth. Also, the abstracts of articles were very helpful, as well. As I have stated in a previous blog entry, reading them is very crucial to the expediency of any search. It helped a lot this time. I look forward to getting reports done quickly at my time here at East Bay. Sometimes, it almost feels as if I’m cheating hours of searching through shelves of books. I’m not saying that it’s a bad thing; I’m just saying that’s how I’ve researched most of the academic things in my educational background.

Surely, the warming of the globe and the future of the earth are fascinating topics. I don’t think that there are many things that the general population would think are more important than the sustaining of life. If I wanted to take my search further, I can ask a couple more questions. As I have stated in a previous log entry, these poignant inquiries are the initiation to becoming more educated against “popular knowledge” set out by the media. Two questions that come to mind are:

“What are the effects of the absence of the ozone?”
And,
“Is there a correlation between dwindling crop populations and the thinning of the ozone layer?”

Finding places to satisfy my curiosity shouldn’t be a problem, either. Two databases that I can look through are:

AGRICOLA, and
Science Direct

After this class, I feel confident going through the few years that I have here at East Bay. Projects are looking easier. Stress about finishing reports is disappearing. The future is looking brighter. And, it’s not because of global warming. As I have stated in my self-assessment essay, “Without this class, I think I would be heading back in the other direction by now. Fearlessly, I can peddle through the rain, sleet, and research projects ahead.”

P.S. Thank you again, Professor Soules. It has truly been an enlightening and refreshing experience. Please excuse the disjointedness of my prose. I will admit that I was having trouble in starting this essay.

Self Assessment Essay (3/17)

As this LIBY 1210 comes to an end, I can honestly say that I am grateful for this class. In fact, I think that it is very beneficial that it is a required class among freshmen. Although the atmosphere was not the most ideal nor conducive for teaching, the things that we learned are items that we can apply to every aspect of real world living. Legitimate research of a topic returns desired results, and when a question arises, it takes more than the simple Google search to find a good answer.

As I’ve stated earlier in one of my logs, the only “research” tools that I knew how to use were Google and books. As I entered in the ranks of students of East Bay, I realized that it would take more than those two in order to excel. This class not only refreshed me on my citing skills, but also introduced me to another world of researching and thinking in general. Early on in the course, we discussed the importance of evaluating sources. In today’s society, information is changed and clandestinely distorted by opinion leaders. This surreptitious switching reflects the idea that evaluating sources is necessary for finding truth. Knowing what to look for and thinking of questions that would return desired results are what I absorbed from this class. There is no doubt that these skills are things we must guard in order to succeed in the real world.

When we first discussed the usage of databases, I was amazed with its applicability and versatility in all subjects. As I stated in a previous log, “No longer would we have to spend long hours through aisles of books, laboriously search through mountains of pages, and carry tons of hard-covered dumbbells in and out of the library” (Research Log Entry 4.1).

Of course, books still have their place. If a person was not able to find desired information in a book, he could at least say that he burned a few calories carrying it, checking it out, and flipping through its pages. A few more books and he could set up a workout plan. He’d be in good shape by the end of the quarter.

Another thing that I learned in this course is that not every search term will return a result. Sometimes, they return articles not even relevant to the topic that is being researched. Being able to revise and change search queries is one of the strengths of researching. It’s frustrating when you can’t get the results that you want. Being able to manipulate terms is the way to get around that. Through this course, I’ve learned how to narrow and widen searches, and it has proven beneficial. It has satisfied curiosity, helped finish assignments, and found things faster.

Although the database contains many articles, not every article would pertain to my subject. Through this course, I was first introduced to the abstracts of scientific articles. As I’ve stated in my mock final, “I think that the abstracts are a vital tool not only for description purposes, but also the managing of time.” Before I knew of them, I was intimidated by scientific studies. The pages of results would have taken a long time to finish reading through. The abstracts are a very nifty aspect of scientific studies. By being able to see the summary of the study, I was able to filter out which articles I needed and which ones I could pass up.

Since childhood, I’ve been adept at finding books in the library using their search engines. After leaving the computer, I would always be able to find the designation that the book was under. However, I never really understood what the jumbled numbers and letters really meant. It was only until this class that I was really exposed to them. As I’ve stated before, “It's a very good thing to know. I will now navigate the labyrinth of cardboard, paper, and information with my newfound skill” (Research Log Entry 7.1). I’ve always been good at getting through mazes, too. When I was a kid, I would be holding a crayon, scribbling through the mazes and other activities that they printed out on the kid’s menu. My secret was that I started at the end instead of the beginning. Now that I am older, I can use my knowledge of call numbers to start at the beginning and finish at the end, reading the book that I need.

Walking out of class on Friday, I was slightly disheartened. The picture of training wheels being detached from a bicycle invaded my mind. Although there is a scary journey ahead of us, the only thing that we can do to keep from faltering is to keep peddling. Without this class, I think I would be heading back in the other direction by now. Fearlessly, I can peddle through the rain, sleet, and research projects ahead.

Thank you, Professor Soules.

See you on Monday.

Mock Final Exam: Diet and Health (3/12)

With each passing day on the calendar, the minions of Burger King, McDonalds, and Carl’s Jr. build up their legions of greasy, heart-attack inducing foods. One by one, fast foods enthrall their consumers, building up within them fortresses of saturated fat, anchoring their hosts to stationary positions. In order to defend myself from the opposition, I turn to my research on my topic of “the correlation between a balanced diet and health” to read intelligence reports on the enemy.

One article that I found was a study of the correlation between trans fatty acids in Austrian foods and cardiovascular disease. The results of the study were that, “an intake of more than 5 [grams [of Trans Fatty Acid] in a portion… has been shown to significantly increase the risk for cardiovascular disease” (Food Chemistry). This is a scary thought. Five grams, although a very insignificant amount numerically, are able to bring one close to the end of his life. Also, in the study, they discuss that foods with high amounts of trans fatty acid include fast foods as well as instant soups and bread spreads. One thing that I can pull from this is that, although I hardly eat any of the aforementioned items, these foods need to be cut down in diets in order to stay healthy. Only very small amounts of each item should be accepted or else negative effects on the body may ensue. With this study being conducted in Austria, another thing that can be perceived is that this is not just a problem localized in the popular United States, but a problem that threatens the whole world. I came across another article, which was the study of cardiovascular disease in cultures in Mexico. The researchers observed that society and culture influence eating habits, and overeating can contribute to obesity and a number of other physical problems. This reflects the idea that obesity and disease are growing at a fast rate, and if we do nothing about it, it just might consume us all. This was observed in my catalog search as well. For my Newspaper and World Wide Web search, I found items that would help maintain a diet. According to the U.S. Department of Human Health Services, a good diet is a balanced one. The key is to have a little bit of everything, not limit to only a couple types of foods. With this data, I can conclude that I can eat anything that I want, as long as I keep control over what I eat. According to Esa Davis, she stated in her newspaper article that it would be dangerous to diet just to be thin. As her title explicitly shows, the goal is to be healthy, not thin. With this research, I am able to ward off the evils of gluttonous living.

As for beginning this search, I did what anyone would do: I started with what was on top of the list to research. Like a smooth and gentle summer breeze, I tapped the keys into the search bar. Upon hitting enter, the kilobytes wooshed through the Ethernet cable and stopped cold before the wall of the LCD screen. The first database that I went to was Academic Search Premier (ASP). To be honest, I clicked on it on instinct. For searching for any type of article, regardless of discipline, it is my first choice. However, the next part was difficult. After gathering my results from the reliable—well, to me anyway—ASP, I clicked to the Science Direct (SD) database. To my dismay, this database contained the article that I found using ASP. I think that it is reasonable to conclude that although ASP is able to gather articles outside of its own domain of articles, it can stifle searches if the objective is to obtain a variety of articles from a variety of databases. Comparing ASP to other databases is like comparing a “super-knowledgeable” worker and a worker specialized for a field. ASP may be helpful for obtaining some results, but using databases specified to a field will return desired results. Depending on search terms and topics, that is. Then, I merrily made my way through the catalog, delightfully skipped through the call numbers of the catalog, and wearily wandered through the world wide web. While scrolling through the results returned by Google, I pondered on the significant difference between searching through Internet search engines and database search engines. I can attribute my tendency to “google” for information to my lack of exposure to databases. They are truly something very valuable. Basically, they hold a lot of articles with information that I’ve never heard of before. And, that’s a lot. Information in databases cannot be left unread. It shouldn't.

Of course, with any generic search term, the search engine is bound to return as many results as it can. In order to evaluate my sources, I scanned the titles of the articles on the screen. Clicking randomly on links would not get me any closer to my goal of finishing this assignment, so I clicked on articles with titles pertinent to my topic and read the abstracts for further clarification. I think that the abstracts are a vital tool not only for description purposes, but also the managing of time. However, because my search in ASP turned up too many results the first time when I searched for "diet," I changed it up. Instantly after that click into "diet AND health," my search was refined and the amount of results was trimmed down to a manageable number.

Among the articles that I chose were the correlation between diet and disease, fatty foods and cardiovascular problems, how to maintain a diet, and why a diet should be maintained. Through this information, the dangers of bad dieting was reflected by disorders and diseases of the human body. The search for these articles was no easy task. On the paper, when the search was designated as “Hour 1,” I found that, thirty minutes after the first hour of class, it was no joke. The bibliographic information is as follows.

Catalog Search -
The nutrition transition : diet and disease in the developing world /
Editors, Benjamin Caballero and Barry M. Popkin,
Amsterdam; Boston: Academic Press, c2002
CALL NUMBER: RA645.N87 N8795 2002

Newspaper Search –
Esa M Davis. "Goal of weight loss is being healthy, not thin. " Call & Post [Cleveland, Ohio] 1 Aug. 2007,C.2. ProQuest Newsstand. ProQuest. California State University, East Bay, Library, CA. 7 Mar. 2008

Academic Search Premier Database -
Comprehensive studies on the trans fatty acid content of Austrian foods: Convenience products, fast food and fats.
By: Wagner, Karl-Heinz; Plasser, Elisabeth; Proell, Christiana; Kanzler, Sonja. Food Chemistry, Jun2008, Vol. 108 Issue 3, p1054-1060, 7p; DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2007.11.038; (AN 29378753)

Disciplinary Database Search (Science Direct) -
Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Acculturation in Yaquis and Tepehuanos Indians from Mexico. Archives of Medical Research, Volume 39, Issue 3, Pages 352-357 M. RODRIGUEZMORANb

World Wide Web –
Title – A Healthy Diet
Author – The National Women’s Health Information Center
Department – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health
Date accessed – March 7, 2008
Last Update of Article – January 2005
http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/diet.htm#1

As seconds pass on the hour clock, the fast food chains and manufacturers produce more toppings on pizza, filling in burgers, and thick oils to drench everything in. As their weapons sit in research development, my defense must go through renovations as well. My thoughts and research must be up to par in order to combat the hordes of French fries and Fish filets. The best way to initiate change is to ask a few questions. Two complex research questions about my subject come to mind:

“What are items on nutrition labels that are dangerous in large amounts and I should cut down on?”
“Is there such a thing as a ‘healthy’ fast food?”
As this arms race between fast foods and healthy living continues, I must build up my defenses before the greasy, grimy, and gluttonous offensive is upon me. But, where should I go to answer these questions? Two databases where I can find answers to my questions are:

The Web of Science
And,
AGRICOLA

Research Entry 8.2: The Catalog (3/5)

I'll turn in the assignment tomorrow after my Bio class.

Good night.

Research Entry 8.1: The Catalog (3/3)

1. What was discussed today in class?

In class on Friday, we talked about citations. Sitting through two years of AP English in high school, I thought that I knew all that there was to be known about citation. However, I cited my sources in only one way back then, and that was in MLA format. Not only was the topic refreshing and useful, but also enlightening. I felt a little foolish walking out of class, though. Back in my Junior year of high school, I purchased a copy of Diana Hacker's fifth edition of "A Writer's Reference" and it was only when I took that first step outside the lab that I realized I rarely consulted chapters other than the one that covered MLA.

2. Describe two differences between MLA and APA citation formats.

Well, one difference between the two is that I like APA better than MLA. It is simpler, cleaner, and easier to remember. It follows a logical format and pays less attention to the capitalization of items unlike MLA, where every item contained must be grammatically correct and differentiated from each other in some way. Also, another difference between them is that they are used for different purposes. The MLA style is catered toward fields categorized under Humanities, and the APA style is designed for the sciences. In other words, APA is better. For me, anyway.

Research Entry 7.2: The Catalog (2/28)

1. As the sun set, its fleeting light shone through the blinds in my room. With each tick of the clock, I tapped my blue ball-point pen against my forehead, thinking of ways to refine my topic any further. I thought that my topic was too focused on probiotics and that I should generalize the “correlation between healthy probiotics and lifestyle” to simply “diet.” With this new found subject, I logged onto CSUEB and clicked to the library page. I searched in the catalog and found two books.

a. A source in the book stacks titled, “The Nutrition Transition.”
b. A source in the reference stacks titled, “PDR for drugs, dietary supplements, and herbs.”

2. The bibliographic information that I was able to obtain for these sources are as follows:

a. The nutrition transition : diet and disease in the developing world / editors, Benjamin Caballero and Barry M. Popkin, Amsterdam; Boston: Academic Press, c2002
CALL NUMBER: RA645.N87 N8795 2002
b. PDR for nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbs : the definitive guide to OTC medications Montvale, NJ : Thomson PDR, 2005-
CALL NUMBER: RM671.A1 P48 2008

3. Searching through the catalog was a fairly easy task. Initially, I typed in “priobiotics” as a search for a subject heading and there were no results returned. This was discouraging. But, it prompted me to think that perhaps my topic is a little too specific, thus the generalization. When I typed in “diet,” a multitude of results flooded the page. I was pleased. Now I would have a number of options for sources. The topics of these spanned worldwide, as well, covering other countries other than the United States.
What I learned that I could use to search more effectively and efficiently is that although words will always return results, they might not always be the most relevant ones. When I typed in “probiotics” as a search for words, two came up. Fortunately, both books pertain to my topic. However, this might not always be the case. As I discussed in my previous entry, a search can easily go awry with not enough direction. Searching for subject headings, though, helped me more than words in this assignment. It provided me with a plethora of sources. Thanks to it, I can finally settle down. A certain ease sets over my soul. Comfort is but a couch cushion away, now.

4. I’ll be sure to check them out tomorrow and bring them to class.

Until tomorrow, Professor Soules.

Research Entry 7.1: The Catalog (2/25)

1. What was discussed in class today?

In class on Friday, we discussed call numbers on books, their significance, and how to search for books utilizing the catalog. To be honest, this is something that I've never gone over. Even when I was a child, I don't remember any of my teachers going over something like this. It's a very good thing to know. I will now navigate the labyrinth of cardboard, paper, and information with my newfound skill.

2. Describe the differences between "words" and "subject headings."

Words can be found anywhere in a text whereas subject headings are categories that can be searched through. Although subject headings contain words, the subject headings pertain to a certain subject. For example, searching for "football" as a subject heading will turn up articles relevant to the subject of football.

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these search strategies?

An advantage about searching for words is that a wide variety of information can be found quickly. For example, if I type "baby development" in the search bar for words intending to find articles about it, the search will return a multitude of articles. However, the phrase "baby development" is used for animals and insects as well. Also, the words may be split apart in the article and have nothing to do with baby development. And, where the disadvantage to words is shown, the advantage of searching for subject headings is revealed. In order to find articles pertinent to "baby development," I'd type that in the search bar for subject headings. The articles that'll come up will all have something to do with baby development.

Research Entry 6.2: Topic Refinement;Periodicals (2/21)

1. After taking into consideration the insightful feedback of Aline, I don`t think that changing up my topic sentence would hurt. After deliberation and revision, my new topic sentence is:

A healthy lifestyle is contributed to by a symbiotic relationship between humans and the native microorganisms of the body.

I intend to explore and discover why this is so.

2. The search terms that I will start this journey on are:

microorganisms AND body, immune system AND function

3. A) The search for these first two articles was conducted with ease. There were a multitude of articles pertaining to microorganisms, both beneficial and detrimental. After browsing through, I chose to narrow it down to probiotics found in the digestive system. I changed up my search terms, clearing the search bar at the top of the page and entering in `priobiotic AND digestive system.` While waiting for the page to load, I pondered upon the novelty and overall coolness of the word probiotic. As the results began to load up, I concluded that probiotic will be my new word. Also, it sounds pretty nifty if I say so myself. When I started to click through articles, two in particular caught my eye.

B) De Moreno De Leblanc, A, S Chavez, E Carmuega, R Weill, J Antoine, and Gabriela Perdigon. "Effect of Long-Term Continuous Consumption of Fermented Milk Containing Probiotic Bacteria on Mucosal Immunity and the Activity of Peritoneal Macrophages." Immunobiology 213 (2008): 97-108. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO.
- This article is an abstract of a study on the effects of milk on the digestive system. Considering this format, it is easy to determine that this article comes from a scholarly/research periodical.

Thomas, Stephanie. "Kraft Bets Consumers Will Hunger for Bacteria." Advertising Age 78 (2007): 4-47. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Keyword: probiotic AND digestive system.
- This article is about how Kraft predicts that the general population will be looking for medicines to correct internal ailments in the near future. This article is from a trade/professional periodical, as the journal is catered to advertising and marketing buffs.

C) As this search continues, I am sure that I will probably add many more search terms than I blogged earlier. As Aline said, I`m on the right track but I`m not entirely dead on. Then again, who would obtain perfect results after the first search? The process is the journey, and that`s where the intellectual reward lies.

Research Log Entry 6.1: Topic Refinement; Periodicals

1. What was discussed today in class?

In class of Friday, we further discussed topic refinement and started exploring the types of periodicals and their respective functions. The last time I did something like this was back in high school, so this session was a refreshing one for me.

2. Describe the differences among a popular, a trade/professional, and a scholarly journal.

The discerning the types of periodicals from each other wasn`t difficult. A popular periodical is catered to the general public, writing stories not of significance (pop culture) and slapping on some color pictures for the readers to ooh and ahh at. A trade/professional periodical targets specific people in a certain field, localizing language for a certain group specialized in some field yet still attempting to make everything pretty. The last type, a scholarly/research periodical, contains garrulous articles, deep in understanding and prolix in stature. The last type of periodicals is not meant for the normal reader; the original information contained in them is not for those looking for the latest gossip.

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of print and electronic forms of periodicals?

The first thing that comes to mind is the convenience factor. Electronic forms of articles are quicker and easier to find, as they are only a few letters in a search bar away. The printed forms, however, are filled with pages of information where the table of contents must be consulted in order to find relevant and desired information. One good thing about printed articles, though, is that the full text of research and studies are contained in one area. Online forms may contain only a portion of text, forcing a continuation of the search, in turn making the process of finding information more difficult that would be anticipated.

Research Log Entry 5.2: Academic Integrity; Exploring Databases (2/14)

1. Write a brief topic sentence and statement of exploration for your topic.

Microorganisms in the body are a vital group to the survival of man and animal alike.

2. Formulate appropriate search terms that you might use to being your research process.

microorganisms AND body, immune system AND function

3. Examine the various library databases available to you through this library and list the possible databases you might use to begin your search process.

- Academic Search Premier
- Biological Abstracts
- Britannica Online
- HAYSTAC

Research Log Entry 5.1: Academic Integrity; Exploring Databases (2/11)

1. What was discussed in class today?
In class on Friday, we continued a discussion on exploring databases. It was nice to get a couple more tips on searching for the academic articles that we may need in the near future.

2. What points were particularly important to you and why?
One of the most vital and useful characteristics of databases that I failed to see last week was that there was a variety to choose from. As I searched through the links presented on the page, there were a multitude of them, a wall of hieroglyphic links waiting to be clicked on and discovered.

3. When engaging in the search process, what techniques might you use to ensure that you can continue your exploration without running into a dead end?
When using search engines, I`m partial to using as many keywords as possible. On Google, I`ve found it a good habit to type out a load of words pertaining to my topic in order to find everything that I need. However, when it comes to searching through academic databases, I`ve found that the simpler search, the better it is. Using too many words can extremely narrow the search. Like looking through the opposite end of a scope, sight is narrowed and the picture drawn on the eyes is shrunken and small.

Research Log Entry 4.2: Beginning Database Features and Searching (2/8)

1. What was your final question?
Biology is not one of my strongest classes; it`s why I don`t want to become a doctor. Earlier this week, we were going through the functions of the organs, and the liver surprised me. I didn`t strike me that it was actually important. So, I asked myself, Can a person live without his liver?

2. What terms did you use to conduct your search?
For my search, I typed the words ``liver function organ human body.`` Surprisingly, it did not return any results. Perhaps my search was too narrow.

3. Did you need to try alternate terms? If so, what terms did you choose? Did your new terms work any better?
After failing to find out more about this fascinating organ of the human body, I curiously typed in ``importance of liver.`` Fortunately, this brought up a lot of results.

4. How would you evaluate your final results? Did you have too many, too few, or just about right? What number do you think is appropriate and why?
I think that there was a good amount of results returned. I only had 33 to look through, which made the search fairly easy. The studies and articles that were returned were mostly about problems and diseases of the liver. It was pleasant to have turned up a small number of results.

5. How well did your results answer your question? Comment on whether all or some or none of them answered your question?
Upon looking through the results, only a few of them answered my question. After reading a study of the correlation between the health of the liver and weight loss and a few more articles, I found that it was a very vital organ. It is used to produce bile, which breaks down fat molecules, and contains glycogen, an important molecule that is used to produce energy from within the body. After my search, I concluded that it would be hard to live without a liver.

6. How did you use Boolean operators to refine or manipulate results?
I didn`t really use Boolean operators; there really wasn`t a need for it. I found my answer with ease. However, if I wanted to expand my search, I could`ve included a few other terms pertaining to human body organs and connected the two with the operator OR. If I wanted to narrow my search, I could have connected terms with the operator AND. And, if I wanted to make the job of the search engine really hard, I could have excluded terms and attached the operator NOT to them.
It`s good that search engines don`t have feelings. Or else we`d have to start using that ``Feeling Lucky`` button a lot more often.

Research Log Entry 4.1: Beginning Database Features and Searching (2/5)

1. What was discussed in class today (Friday)?

In class on Friday, we discussed databases and how to search through them using boolean operation words.

2. What points were particularly important to you and why?

When databases were discussed, I thought of the convenience of this service. No longer would we have to spend long hours through aisles of books, laboriously search through mountains of pages, and carry tons of hard-covered dumbbells in and out of the library. During high school, this would have been very useful had I known that there was this much information in the online databases of libraries.

3. How can you use the techniques discussed in class today (Friday)?

Reports, research papers, and the river of life should flow much easier now. All of the information waits to be unharnessed, standing readily by, being held back only by one click of the mouse.

4. What ideas and thoughts do you have about this search strategy?

As I`ve stated before, this search strategy is very useful. Its convenience is conducive to make reports as quick and easy as possible. I can`t say anything more. I think it`s pretty neat and nifty. This way, we wouldn`t have to go through the mounds of secondary sources; the primary sources are just one click away. I think that it`s very nice, to be honest.

Research Log Entry 3.2: Formulating a Question (1/31)

1. What was your first question?
In my General Studies class, my professor required all of the students to create an eProfile on Blackboard. One of the criteria being graded is a completed resume along with a few references. Unfortunately, I didn't know who would go onto that page. A question came into my head: "Who should go on my reference page?"

2. List all the intermediate questions that you formed between the first question and your final question.
a. Can anyone go on my page?
b. Is there a certain number of people that should go on it?
c. Are friends allowed?
d. Should it go at the end of the resume, or be attached to it?


3. What approaches and ideas did you implement in each of these stages?
a. My General Studies teacher recommended that I put the people "who have weight" academically and authority. Although I did not have to use an online search engine, I thought that this information was quite informative.
b. In Google, I searched "resume references" and came across this website named "Career Owl" (http://www.careerowlresources.ca/Resumes/Res_Frame.htm?res_references.htm~right). They were quite clear in what should go in a resume and what should not. Upon evaluating "Career Owl," I found that it was a legitimate, relevant, and valid website, based in Canada and similar to Monster.com.
c. After reading through the "Resume References" at Career Owl, putting friends as references would not be a good idea. The references should be superiors and professors, people that have authority.
d. As I browsed through, I discovered that it would be much more orderly to attach it as a another piece of paper rather than trying to fit everything on one page. However, after closing this question, I wondered to myself, "what if things are different in Canada?" Curiously, I brought Google back up and typed up the previous keywords. After clicking and browsing, I found that the format given by Career Owl is universal, despite the fact that it is coming from a site outside the United States.

4. How would you evaluate your final question? Is it more complex? Do you think you could continue further with the process and come up with something even more complex?
I think that it is clear that a references page is vital to any resume seeking attention. Through research, I found that it is good to keep a short list, no more than 5 people, balanced between academic and nonacademic references. My final question (d.) is no more complex than my original question. Surely, I can continue asking questions upon questions, stacking them on top of each other, building some insurmountable structure with them. But, I won't do that. I've found what I needed.

5. What other questions might help you to continue your exploration?
On the topic of resumes, I think that a lot of deliberation must go into what goes into which category. What is defined as "work experience?" Does it require that I get paid? Can it be volunteer work? What is defined as volunteer work? Are not all occupations "volunteer work" in some way? Can I print all of this on colored paper? Should I go to Kinko's to print it rather than at home?

Things like this shouldn't go unanswered.

That's why there's Google and Yahoo.

Research Entry 3.1: Exploring Topic Development (1/26)

1. What was discussed in class today?

Today, we further examined ways to evaluate a source. We learned how to take a broad question and manipulate it into a manageable topic. When looking at sources, areas of consideration include biases, discerning objective news from subjective news, and opinions. In our activity, we discovered that different news sites put certain events "above the fold" and prioritize their stories differently from each other.

2. What points were particularly important to you and why?

When it comes to evaluating any type of source, the validity, credibility, and accuracy of any source should be first examined. Another thing that interested me was the differing political views between the news sites that we looked at. To be honest, the notion never really struck me before and now has changed my ways on evaluating a source.

3. What change will you make in your approach to research?

I will definitely want to look deeper into the hidden agendas that popular new sites have. It is something that I don't want to overlook anymore.

4. What other ideas and thought do you have about researching the authority of a source, whether it's news, a website, or some other information source?

As I stated in my answer to the previous attention, the hidden agendas of certain sites are not to be overlooked. Very easily can anyone be swayed by the slightest nudge in one direction.

5. What other ideas and thoughts do you have about topic development?

I thought that today's class was very informative. Today's topic was surprisingly eye-opening. And, to top it all off, we were let out early. I think that it is safe to conclude that today was a good day.

Research Log Entry II: Questions

1. What question did you try to answer?

On Sunday afternoon, we were driving towards home from Church. While driving on the freeway, I sat in a pleasant state, taking in the sunshine, listening to the Chargers and Patriots game on the radio. Then, my dad presented to me a watch. It was big, but slick. The black dial was covered in a shiny glass, which shone of luxury, and a titanium silver that gleamed in the sun. My dad said that it retailed for $250 and that it was solar-powered. With that said, I was sold. When we arrived home, I examined the watch piece, and the questions popped into my head:
“What are the specifications of this ‘Citizen Eco-Drive WR 200’ watch?”


2. What web search engine or engines did you use?

As I approached my computer, I logged on and used my favorite search engine, Google. At the same time, I was able to check my email. It feels great to multitask.


3. What search terms did you use to ask your question?

As I began to type, I knew that inputting a simple question could elicit impertinent results. In turn, I put in only key words, “citizen eco-drive wr 200 watch specifications”


4. What was your evaluation of your results?

For my query, there were 29,000 results. Most of the sites listed were places that were selling the watch. Many of them contained similar specifications, such as solar-power, perpetual calendar, and diving capabilities. However, those results were sparse, as there weren’t many. There were a lot of people selling them, though, in the $400-$600 range.


5. What other search strategies could you try?

Using a different engine wouldn’t hurt. Google—as well as other people—assert that they are the best and most reliable search engine and return some of the more relevant results. In the past, they have; but, for this particular search, it was hard to find specifications for my watch.


6. What other questions came into your mind to continue your exploration?

As I sat, dissatisfied with my results, I began to think of how I could improve my query. I wondered, “if I add quotes around the watch model, what would happen?” I did so and it brought up very similar results of the previous search. Disappointed again, I wondered, “what if I go to Yahoo?” After doing so, I was surprised to see that I not only got more results, but more relevant sites for my specific kind of watch. Google is in trouble now.

Research Log Entry I: Our First Library Class

When I walked into our first physical class of Library, I honestly thought that I knew everything I needed to know in order to get by in the real world. While sitting attentively, I found that there were somethings that I knew and other things that I didn't.

A big thing that that I know how to do--and am happy to declare--is "google" information. When exploring the Web, I picked up the the commands and words to put in over time. Since about my freshman year in high school, I think that I have specified search criteria quite well and have become adept at it. It's gotten me far. From writing research papers to AP (advanced placement) papers, knowing what to looking for and learning it has always come in handy. Examining the validity, quality, and credibility of web pages are vital and crucial to desirable outcomes. Now, I'm in college, a student at one of America's Best Western Colleges, California State University of the East Bay. What else can I say?

However, there are things that surprised me as well. One small thing that I did not pick up before was the whole breakdown of what goes into the address bar. I never thought that it would be this in depth. But, dwelling upon the subject more, the many parts of the URL do have purpose. And, because of that, it makes sense to me. To be honest, all I knew was that "www" meant "World Wide Web." Yep, that's about it.

I think that after sitting through the small amount of time in the class on Friday, I can more effectively search for sources for all projects. Professor Aline, I commend you on your thoroughness. The handouts are pretty nifty as well. Moving along, this information has reinforced what I already know. Things that I must look for are--as I have discussed before--the validity, quality, and credibility. I need to think about: Is this source relevant to my topic? Is this a legitimate source by a legitimate author? Will this be a good source of information? Are there any ulterior motives to this or is this for real?

What I thought was a good idea was that website, www.digg.com. As I thought about it, it seemed like a very good idea. Having people rate the relevance, accuracy, and quality of websites, rather than having someone precariously and arbitrarily choose a source for himself, reflects the idea that in order to come to a conclusion, there needs to be a general consensus and agreement on the subject being tested.

After walking out of our first physical class of Library, I felt comforted in learning the new things taught. Now, I know what to really do when considering web sources.

"...and knowing is half the battle!"