In this assignment you will need to locate articles that use a particular type of methodology.

Research articles will discuss the methodology used for the research study. Authors use a variety of methodology terms. Try to search using all of the possible terms an author may have used.

Even if a researcher is using a well-known research design, they may not use the standard term for it.  For example, a Correlation Study Design may simply be referred to using the word "correlational."  The tips below can help you find research designs:

• Search for as few words as possible.  Leave out unnecessary words:
  • pretest and posttest 
  • correlation*
  • Solomon four group
     
• Search in the full text of the article.
  • change the "Select a Field (optional)" box to TX All Text
     
• Search broadly and then skim through results
  • search for posttest and then look to see which ones do not use a pretest

Example search:

In Education Source, search using topic keywords and a methodology keyword. The search below is for articles on teacher quality that show a correlation.

The * on correlation allows the database to search for all forms of the word: correlation, correlational, etc.

Look at the article abstract to see a brief description of the study design. Most abstracts will mention the type of study done and give an overview of the results.

The article abstract below briefly describes the study and uses the term "correlation" when briefly describing the results.

Survey research articles may not always use the full methodology term.  They may use more specific terms—such as questionnaire—or leave some of the words out completely.  The following advice can help you find the research design you need:

• Search for as few words as possible.  
  • "Follow-up" instead of follow-up survey.
     
• Try searching for the word "survey" separately.
  • cross-section* AND survey
     
• Search in the full text of the article.
  • change the "Select a Field (optional)" box to TX All Text.
     
• Try alternative terms that mean the same thing.
  • panel survey OR panel study
     
• Search broadly and then skim through results.
  • "one-shot" is a term that rarely shows up in articles.  The context of the methodology makes it clear that it is a "one-shot."  If you simply search for "survey," many of them will be one-shot designs.

Example search:

In Education Source, search using topic keywords and a methodology keyword. The search below is for articles on teacher quality that use a longitudinal design.

Look at article abstracts to determine if the study is actually using a longitudinal design. You will typically see the word longitudinal as well as words related to doing a survey: survey, questiontionnaire, interview, etc.