Internet Research Skills is a clear, concise guide to effective online research for social science and humanities students. The first half of the book deals with publications online, devoting separate chapters to academic articles, books, official publications and news sources, which form the core secondary sources for social science research. The second half of the book deals with the open web, a vast and confusing realm of materials, many of which have no direct print counterpart. The third edition has been updated throughout and now includes: - coverage of cutting edge online services as well as newly developed approaches to using online materials - a new chapter on organising your research and internet research methods - additional material on the use of social networks for research. - illustrations, examples and short exercises to help you put what you learn into practice. Internet Research Skills is an invaluable guide for undergraduate students carrying out research projects and for postgraduate students working on theses and dissertations.

Internet Research Skills is a clear and concise guide to the effective use of the Internet for students in the social sciences. The open web is becoming central to student research practice, not least because of its accessibility, and this clear text describes search strategies and outlines the critical skills necessary to deal with such diverse and disorganized materials. This book covers all of the essential aspects of Internet research, with each chapter containing a number of illustrations, inset boxes, and short exercises.

The Internet has a wealth of information. And there are many quick ways to get answers. But, students must know how to perform real research on the Internet. Using clear and concise text with descriptive examples, this book shows readers how to perform their own research and teaches them skills for citing their sources as well as figuring out which ones seem reliable. Full-color photos, quick facts, and sidebars help students understand Internet research better, while the glossary reinforces new vocabulary. A Further Reading section inspires further research.

The internet is a compelling tool for research, enabling efficient, cost-effective data collection and facilitating access to large samples and new populations. This book presents a state-of-the-art guide to the internet as a tool for conducting research in the social and behavioural sciences using qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches. New to this edition: Fully re-written to reflect the emergence of Web 2.0 technologies Expanded coverage of web surveys for data collection Unobtrusive methods to harvest data from online archives and documents New practical tools and resources, where to find them, and how to keep up-to-date with new developments as they emerge New chapter on research ethics and discussion of ethical practicalities throughout Guiding the reader through the theoretical, ethical and practical issues of using the internet in research, this is an essential resource for researchers wishing to assess how the latest techniques, tools and methods in internet-mediated research may support and expand research in their own field.

"Internet Essentials: A Comprehensive Guide for Students" is a must-have resource that equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the online world confidently and responsibly. From demystifying basic internet terminology to ensuring online safety and security, this book covers it all. Through engaging explanations and practical examples, students will learn about effective online communication, master the art of internet research, explore diverse online media formats, and understand the importance of digital citizenship. Delving into fascinating topics such as internet culture and career opportunities, this comprehensive guide empowers students to become savvy and responsible digital citizens in today's interconnected world.

To many people, the use of computers and the Internet as research tools is not a new concept. To others, though, computers are a relatively recent if necessary addition to their research toolkit. A lack of experience presents many difficulties for first-time users and others with limited computer know-how. This work, a second edition to the acclaimed Internet Research: Theory and Practice provides useful information for anyone who wants to broaden the range and scope of their research tools or anyone who wants to increase their knowledge about what is available electronically. The author discusses the following: basic methods of research using Internet protocols, Internet history, techniques for online searching, research theory and suggestions for maximizing results, mechanisms helpful in distinguishing good from bad or mediocre information, and ways for individuals to improve their research skills. Also included is an expanded discussion of Internet search engines and their operation, issues in scholarly communication and other emerging matters, and an enlarged and updated bibliography.

Ideal as a course textbook at undergraduate and graduate level in a range of social science disciplines where doing a research project is an integral part of the course. It will also be of great use to postgraduate students who are about to start research for a dissertation, and for experienced academic researchers who are trying to incorporate the Internet into their research practice.

Watch Tom Burns introduce his book Essential Study Skills - Second Edition Watch Sandra Sinfield discuss one of her favourite chapters - how to make the best notes Praise for the first edition: "The effect on our students was like star dust!" Anne Schofield, Ruskin College, Oxford Student feedback from Study Skills sessions at London Metropolitan University: "Why didn't they tell us this before? ... This is the best bit of learning I've ever done!" "At school I was told to go away and get a job in a shop ... Since doing Study Skills I'm getting 'A's' for my assignments!" "I was het-up, frightened ... I just wanted to run away and hide ... Oh I love it now!" "When I first got here I kept thinking I would be found out ... I know I can do it now" "I never enjoyed school, not at all ... Everything's different now - it's great!" "When I first got here I thought they were all looking at me and thinking 'What's that old woman doing here?' ... It's my university now!" The eagerly-awaited new edition continues to provide a truly practical guide to achieving success at university. Whether you are going to university straight from school, a mature student, or an overseas student studying in the UK for the first time, this is the book that will help you better understand how you learn, gain a clear idea of your strengths and areas for development, organise yourself for study, write and research academically, pass exams, and cope with stress at university. Now completely revised and restructured, the authors use their twenty-five years of hands-on experience with students in university to provide genuinely useful advice. Key features of the new edition: - 12 new chapters for coverage of everything you need to know including: computer skills, becoming a confident writer, note-taking, how to build your memory, and the new Personal Development Plan. - Packed with handy tips, real-life examples and useful activities. - A brand new companion website with extensive material to support you in your quest for academic success - http://www.uk.sagepub.com/burnsandsinfield/ With its easy-to-use dip in, dip out structure, helpful features, and lively and engaging writing style, you will find Essential Study Skills an essential companion to the challenges of studying at university. Tom Burns is a Senior Lecturer in Learning Development at London Metropolitan University Sandra Sinfield is Academic Leader in Learning Development at London Metropolitan University.

Planning, undertaking and completing a research project – from dissertations to presentations - can be a daunting undertaking for any student, involving a number of easily taken mis-steps for those without adequate guidance. The objective of any research project is to gather data, analyse it based on your research question and present your findings and conclusions. For students, having the right approach to these steps can mean the difference between an easily handled process resulting in a well argued and presented project, or panicked flailing, misdirection and confusion. For those fearful of not getting enough research done, doing it the wrong way, putting it together incorrectly, or unsure of what the end result will be, then Understanding Research is an invaluable guide to getting it right and putting fears to bed. Successfully completing a research project is a major milestone in most university degrees, and it should be daunting – although not unassailable. This book provides students with the guidance necessary to start, undertake and present their research project in social science or the humanities. This text addresses: Where do I start? How do I begin my research and pull it together into a research question? - takes the student through the process of project design, starting research and gaining confidence in their choices Am I Researching the right things? Is it taking me in the direction I want to go? What direction is it taking me in? - explores the decision making process at all points of a research project and the implications of these decisions in the longer term Am I researching in the right way – should I be conducting interviews, reading articles or collecting statistical data? - outlines the practical and philosophical conundrums around specific techniques for gathering and analysing data Focussed explicitly on the needs and experiences of students and including a wealth of practical tips, this work is an essential resource for all students embarking on a research project. Understanding Research includes: 90 illustrations 2 tables 21 text boxes Glossary Further Reading guides for each chapter

Research Skills for Journalists is a comprehensive, engaging and highly practical guide to developing the varied skillset needed for producing well researched, quality journalism across a range of platforms. Illustrated with original interviews and case studies, the book guides readers through a clear understanding of sources of news, as well as illustrating the skills needed to undertake successful digital and non-digital research and to conduct interviews for a variety of media. It examines the skills needed for basic data journalism and presents an in-depth exploration of the different research skills specific to producing print and online text, as well as those for broadcast and multimedia journalism. Key research skills explored in the book include: Developing digital research skills, including researching through search engines, messages boards, discussion groups and web forums, social media, apps, and using user generated content Working with data, including sourcing, auditing and analysing data, data visualisation and understanding the importance of accuracy and context Essential non-digital research skills, including telephone technique, using libraries and working with librarians, understanding copyright, working with picture libraries and research services, and producing freedom of information requests Working directly with people to research stories, including the power of persuasion, tracking down great contributors, managing and protecting sources, planning and managing interviews, and interviewing vulnerable people Researching for multimedia production of stories, including researching a radio story, podcast or video story, and planning for outside broadcasts. Research Skills for Journalists also explores specialist research skills needed for working overseas and investigates new areas, which could be used for journalism research in the future. The book is illustrated with original contributions by journalists from a variety of backgrounds; including veteran investigative journalist John Pilger, pioneering data journalist Simon Rogers and The Bureau of Investigative Journalism’s award-winning reporter Abigail Fielding-Smith. It is an invaluable guide for students and practitioners of journalism to the skills needed for finding and developing original news stories today.