More in-depth info about defining a research topic, using databases, and more resources for all Deaf Studies classes and projects is in the Deaf Studies LibGuide.
The Scholarly Sources section of the Research Strategies LibGuide gives details about how to find and read scholarly books and articles.
Choosing a good topic is a balancing act. Not too narrow. Not too broad. How can you tell if you're on the right path?
As a general guideline, topics with 2 - 3 concepts are workable:
Only one concept is too broad:
More than three concepts is usually too narrow:
The above guidelines are based on information from Walden University Library. A brief exercise in choosing the best research question is available from SUNY Empire State College.
This video is published under a Creative Commons 3.0 BY-NC-SA US license. (License, credits, and contact information)
Watch this video to learn how to navigate OneSearch to find materials available through the University Library.
Don't lose track of relevant articles or books. Use Pin It feature in OneSearch -- make sure to log in with your CSUN user id and password (same as portal or Canvas). Items you pin will remain attached to your account and appear every time you log in.
From publisher's website: "This in-depth encyclopedic collection of articles defines the current state of Deaf Studies at an international level. This new encyclopedia shifts away from the 'Medical/Pathological Model', and instead has the focus on deaf people as members of a distinct cultural group with a distinct and vibrant community and way of being."
When you want resources about a specific subject area or in a specific format (such as newspaper articles or data sets)
Best Databases for Deaf Studies Topics
University Library Databases -- listed by subject, type and name
Database (examples: ERIC, JSTOR, Project Muse)
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"In-text citation" means that you refer to (or cite) the ideas or words of another as soon as you write about them in your paper. There are several ways to do this: using quotation marks for exact words, summarizing or condensing without changing the meaning, and paraphrasing or using your own words.
Here are specific examples of ways to handle in-text citation in APA format.
APA In-Text Citation Basics (Purdue OWL)
APA In-Text Citations Specific Examples (Purdue OWL)
