Searching & Referencing for Academic Papers

Searching & Referencing for Academic Papers

805–008 Searching and Referencing | 2 credit (30 hour) online audiovisual conferencing course.

Course description: Discovering and reading literature reviews, opinion papers and research articles; composing a literature review to support a position; using scholarly writing techniques and citations following APA style.

How to Improve your Scholarly Writing – Searching and Referencing for Literature Reviews and Research Articles 

Course lecturer's resources and examples

Previously taught courses of relevance

Featured Webinar | How to develop a systematic review

Webinar | How to conduct a systematic review | 1:20:46


TOPIC 1

How to distinguish APA and other academic formatting styles

APA Manual 7th | Source: American Psychological Association (2020)

Generally, academic writing adheres to a given style guide or 'school of style'. Common examples include APA (American Psychological Association), CMS (Chicago Manual of Style) and MLA (Modern Language Association).

Example: MLA Style | My 1999 freshman paper | Toponymy of Hawaii

Many publishers of books and journals suggest the Harvard Citation Style (i.e. author-date referencing) although there is actually no official guideline or institutional connection. However, the Harvard University Press does have its own code of formatting author-date citations and reference lists.

Note that publishers of international journals often have unique citation and referencing formats.

While it is important to recognize a variety of formatting styles in academic writing and publishing, our course will focus on undergraduate students gaining proficiency in APA style.


TOPIC 2

How to develop an APA reference list – a brief Introduction

Note: a "reference list" is generally the "works cited" in your paper, while a "bibliography" might include a comprehensive list of literature relevant to your research or thesis.

APA reference example for a journal article | Source: American Psychological Association (2020)

Some examples of sources which require referencing

  • Books
  • Book chapters
  • Journal articles
  • Conference papers
  • Conference presentations
  • Websites and webpages

Worksheets for today's lesson

Due to website formatting limitations, the required APA 1/2 inch hanging indent is not shown in the examples below.

APA references | Books and book chapters

Winichakul, T. (1997). Siam mapped: A history of the geo-body of a nation. Honolulu, HI: University of Hawaii Press.

Martin, S. A., & Blundell, D. (2017). Cultural continuum among the Bunun of Laipunuk (Nei Ben Lu), southern Taiwan. In H. Chang & A. Mona (Eds.), Religion, law and state: Cultural re-invigoration in the new age (pp. 215-246). Taipei, Taiwan: Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines.

APA reference entries for books | 4:26

APA references | Journals and other periodicals

Martin, S. A. (2011). Laipunuk (Nei Ben Lu)–The last frontier of the Taiwan aborigines during the Japanese occupation on Taiwan: Ethnographic narratives of a Bunun elder. The International Journal of Asia Pacific Studies (IJAPS), 7(1) 123–142.

Martin, S. A., & Ritchie, R. J. (2020). Sourcing Thai geography literature for ASEAN and international education. Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography41(1) 61–85.

APA reference entries for periodicals | 2:44

APA references | Conferences papers and presentations

Martin, S. A., & Assenov, I. (2012). Towards a surf resource sustainability index: A global model for surf site conservation and Thailand case studyProceedings of the 18th Asia Pacific Tourism Association Annual Conference (APTA) Hospitality & Tourism Education: New Tourism & New Waves (pp. 745–760). Taipei, ROC, June 26–29. Busan, Korea: School of International Tourism, Dong-A University.

Martin, S. A., & Ritchie, R. (2018). Towards an ASEAN community: A scoping study and case for teaching the geography of Thailand in the English languageProceedings of the PSU Phuket International Conference 50th Anniversary Celebration: Creativity and Innovations for Global Development (p. 54). Prince of Songkla University, Phuket, Thailand, March 11–12.


TOPIC 3

How to make APA in-text citations for sentences

APA in-text citation examples | Source: American Psychological Association (2020)

In-text references (or in-text citations) provide a source (author and year of publication) for each piece of information used in your academic writing. In-text citations are commonly placed either at the beginning or end of a sentence or paragraph to identify where information actually came from and are important in order to avoid plagiarism.

Plagiarism is the use of the published work of another person without acknowledgement and is easily avoidable by using an in-text citation to indicate who the original author/s is/are.

Worksheets for today's lesson

APA format | In-text citations, quotations, paraphrases to avoid plagiarism | 3:20


TOPIC 4

How to make an annotated bibliography

Annotated bibliography example in APA style

According to the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL, 2020), “Depending on the purpose of your bibliography, some annotations may summarize, some may assess or evaluate a source, and some may reflect on the source’s possible uses for the project at hand.”

Worksheets for today's lesson

APA format | Annotated bibliography and helpful advice | 6:10


TOPIC 5

How to organize research files and develop a database

Literature Review File Organization Concept


TOPIC 6

How to develop a literature review I Midterm project guidelines

Topic selection and outline

  • Write a comprehensive literature review based on the topics and annotated bibliographies as developed, discussed and approved during our previous lessons.
  • The literature review should follow the APA style for in-text citations and references.

The literature review consists of five parts

  1. A brief introduction.
  2. Three to five relevant subtopics of at least two paragraphs each.
  3. Brief discussion or conclusion highlighting key points of interest and/or knowledge gaps (if any).
  4. Brief suggestions for future research.
  5. A reference list with at least 15 sources representing journals, books, websites, etc.

Formatting

  • Spacing: 1.5.
  • Font: Times New Roman 12pt.
  • Length: 1,500 to 2,000 words.
  • Referencing: APA style (American Psychological Association)

TOPIC 7

How to use Google Scholar for searching and referencing

Assignment

  • Select a topic of your choice.
  • Search Google Scholar to locate 3 to 5 relevant international journal articles.
  • Conduct searches for (1) the topic and (2) relevant scholars in the field.
  • In APA format, make reference list in MS Word and email it to the instructor.

TOPIC 8

How to use ResearchGate for searching and referencing

Assignment

  • Join ResearchGate.
  • Select a topic relevant to your final paper (systematic review).
  • Search ResearchGate for relevant scholars in the field.
  • Contact at least two researchers about their research.

TOPIC 9

How to use YouTube for searching and referencing

Video, documentary film and scholarly presentations: the case of YouTube in searching and referencing online educational films and videos

With digital transformations in education, online films and videos bring to light more than just content, we are exposed to – and adapt to – the use of technology in teaching and learning. For example, searching and referencing videos on YouTube suggest an awareness of search strategies one might employ while identifying diverse genres of videos and experts in a given field or topic area.

In the case of searching and referencing Greece and Asia Minor videos – free and available on YouTube – the following genres come to light and are explored.

  • Academic lectures and presentations
  • Mainstream documentary films and series
  • Diverse videos of interest
  • Animated video presentations
  • Travel videos and vlogs

Searching and Referencing | Greece and Asia Minor Documentary Film Page

Assignment

  • Select a topic (it can be relevant to your final paper).
  • Search on YouTube for related videos.
  • Locate five relevant videos representing each of the genres as discussed in class, including (1) academic lectures and presentations, (2) mainstream documentary films and series, (3) diverse videos of interest, (4) animated video presentations, and (5) travel videos and vlogs.
  • Make a reference for each video which includes an active URL.

How to cite a video in APA | 1:45


TOPIC 10

How to use Wikipedia for searching and referencing | Do's and Dont's

In this lesson, we explore the power of Wikipedia in research and learn how to track down appropriate and citable references to use in our work.

  • Why we don't cite Wikipedia and how to use it as a resource

Lesson and worksheet forthcoming.


TOPIC 11

How to access academic journals and databases at the university

Many academic journals and databases require a subscription or fee to view or download articles. For students and researchers at PSU Phuket, our university has purchased subscriptions to a variety of journals and databases.

You may need to login on campus or through the Prince of Songkla University Phuket Campus Library in order to gain access. This will allow journals and databases to automatically verify the PSU IP address.

Shortist of online databases


TOPIC 12

How to conduct a systematic review | Final project

Building a foundation for long-term success in research and writing in the social sciences

Webinar | How to conduct a systematic review | 1:20:46

Presentation slides | How to conduct a systematic review

Systematic Literature Review Infographic

Systematic review of surf tourism research | Journal of Sport and Tourism

Systematic reviews of surf tourism research

Martin, S. A., & Assenov, I. (2012). The genesis of a new body of sport tourism literature: A systematic review of surf tourism research (1997-2011). Journal of Sport and Tourism, 17(4) 257–28. https://doi.org/10.1080/14775085.2013.766528

Martin, S. A. (2022). From shades of grey to Web of Science: A systematic review of surf tourism research in international journals (2011-2020). Journal of Sport & Tourism, 26(2) 125–146. https://doi.org/10.1080/14775085.2022.2037453

Thai Geography academic literature review and research

Academic review of Thai geography literature

Martin, S. A., & Ritchie, R. J. (2020). Sourcing Thai geography literature for ASEAN and international education. Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography41(1) 61–85.


How to publish papers in international journals

Coordinator : Assoc. Prof. Dr. Raymond J. Ritchie

For the scholar who studies or works in a university, doing scholarly research and publishing the findings in the form of articles in peer-reviewed international journals are some of the most important academic activities. It is important to learn how to do it yourself so you can set-up your own career.

This workshop includes a number of advanced topics regarding how to publish a paper in international journals. It is very good opportunity for learning from the experience and techniques of an experienced publisher of papers. Emphasis is on practical information on how to do it, and what Dr. Ritchie has leant from experience, that is, what works and what does not.

Searching and Referencing | Prof Dr Steven A Martin | Teaching and Learning Resources | Google Search

Forthcoming sections for teaching and learning

3 parts of this course

  1. Searching and sources
  2. Citation and referencing
  3. Annotations and literature reviews

2 required projects (midterm and final)

  1. Literature review
  2. Systematic review

Other

  • How to include foreign language references
Searching and Referencing | Prof Dr Steven A Martin | Teaching and Learning Resources
Research Methodology

Research Methodology

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES

Course Description

Meaning and types of research; an introduction to research methodology; quantitative and qualitative methods.

Course Objectives

  • To introduce the meaning and importance of research methodology in social sciences.
  • To understand different types and strategies of research processes.
  • To identify various concept of research, such as topics, objectives, literature reviews, hypotheses, measurements, data collection, and data analysis.
  • To follow the ethics of social sciences research and researcher’s code of conduct.

Qualitative and quantitative research methodology | Interdisciplinary Studies

Research methods are progressively important

In this course, I share the meaning and significance of academic methods and methodologies in personal, educational, and professional contexts through personal and practical experience and research across a variety of topic areas and disciplines.

Learning and mastering research methods strengthen and validate our objective minds while gaining self-respect and self-confidence.

Given the importance and complexity of understanding, developing and applying research methodology, it is inevitably one of the least welcomed or understood courses among undergraduate and graduate students alike.

However, Research Methodology is one of the best courses to take at university! It opens the mind to the ways and means of deep learning, and opens the door to the meaning and experience of science, including the scientific method, that is, exploring our observations, and carrying out experiments in order to address the mysteries of life, and answer important and meaningful questions.

Social science research methods are no exception – they are profoundly significant life-long skills.

Conducting a personal interview on surf tourism | Click to learn more...

Is research a worthwhile skill for personal development?

Learning how to engage in academic discourse and innovate original work are dynamic life-long skills. In this way, conducting research strengthens and validates the objective mind while gaining self-respect and self-confidence.

  • Publishing opens doors to other professional opportunities.
  • Research increases graduate school and scholarship prospects.
  • Research provides the practical ability to meet personal and professional needs.
  • Understanding research methods and publishing are key to individual and academic development.

Is a research adviser important for students and new researchers?

A research adviser provides structure and guidance throughout the research process, including topic selection, identifying appropriate methods, and helping you to organize field results into narrative discussion worthy of publication.

A research adviser may also help to:

  • Open doors to local organizations and businesses.
  • Inspire field experiences and arrange personal interviews.
  • Forge life-long networks leading to future academic accomplishment.
  • Develop and outline the publication process across fields and disciplines.
  • Receive feedback from other scholars, reviewers and conference participants.

Understanding the disciplines of study

Historical viewpoint | The Margarita Philosophica and the 7 Liberal Arts

The Maragrita Philosophica [pdf] (the philosophic pearl) is an outstanding starting point to understanding the disciplines of study and from where methods of research developed. The book provides deep historical perspective and imagination into the seven Liberal Arts, featured as seven angels on the cover (see below).

The Margarita is a magnificently illustrated encyclopedia compiled in 1503 by a Carthusian monk named Gregor Reisch (c.1467-1525). Reisch produced what is essentially the world’s first interdisciplinary textbook, covering all seven liberal arts and providing appropriate background across disciplines and courses.

The Margarita Philosophica | Reich, 1503 | Click to enlarge

Widely used as a university textbook in the early sixteenth century, particularly in Germany, it is a book of historical significance and sheds light on university curriculum and collective scientific knowledge at the close of the Middle Ages, 500-600 years ago.

Separated into twelve chapters, Maragrita Philosophica covers traditional subjects of the trivium (grammar, logic, rhetoric) and quadrivium (arithmetic, music, geometry, astronomy); and four chapters address natural philosophy, including the elements, meteorology, alchemy, the plant and animal kingdoms, optics and memory. The final sections and topics include heaven, hell, purgatory; and the book concludes with a chapter on moral philosophy, reflecting the period when church, state and education were closely integrated.

The scientific method and publishing academic research in an international journal

When looking to publish our research, the scientific method should be formatted in nine sections.

  1. Abstract
  2. Introduction
  3. Literature review
  4. Methods and materials
  5. Results
  6. Discussion
  7. Conclusion
  8. References
  9. Appendix

Workshop on how to publish papers in international journals

Coordinator : Assoc. Prof. Dr. Raymond J. Ritchie

Technical and Online Support : Asst. Prof. Dr. Steven A. Martin

For the scholar who studies or works in a university, doing scholarly research and publishing the findings in the form of articles in peer-reviewed international journals are some of the most important academic activities. It is important to learn how to do it yourself so you can set-up your own career.

This workshop includes a number of advanced topics regarding how to publish a paper in international journals. It is very good opportunity for learning from the experience and techniques of an experienced publisher of papers. Emphasis is on practical information on how to do it, and what Dr. Ritchie has leant from experience, that is, what works and what does not.

Assoc. Prof. Raymond J. Ritchie is a Ph.D. graduate of the University of Sydney and has post-doctoral experience in Scotland, USA, Canada and Australia. He has published 98 peer reviewed academic papers on a wide variety of topics, including animals, bacteria, plants, science education, social sciences, and theoretical biology.

Aim and content of the workshop

The aim of this workshop is to teach students and staff how to publish papers in international journals rather than simply writing in English. The complete procedure of getting a paper published will be covered step by step. Conceiving the paper, getting organized, how to use references and choosing the most suitable journal. The problem of nefarious journals will be discussed, including the use of Beall’s List and the Thomson-Reuters ISI rating to identify journals which you should, or should not, submit papers to.

Choosing a journal and developing the paper

The core of the workshop will consist of choosing a journal that you judge to be suitable, how to write the introduction, how to write the materials and methods, how to describe your results with its graphs, tables and captions for figures, and how to write a proper discussion of your results and their implications from what the results show and compared to what was already known. The critical importance of using and formatting references correctly, and making sure that all references are included, will be discussed.

Scholar-One and ethical practices

Submitting a paper using online systems, such as Scholar-One, will be demonstrated, as will the standard journal procedures required after you submit a paper. Lastly, ethical practices will be discussed including plagiarism, self-plagiarism, double publication, and the delicate issue of scientific fraud.

Examples of videotaped personal interviews

Personal interviews are good way to collect original information from individuals and experts on a given topic. Recording personal interviews on video provides an accountable record which can be reviewed and shared with others.

Please visit my Personal Interview Page for more examples.

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“Learn and accumulate the results of learning, pose questions and differentiate among the results, dwell unambiguously in what has been attained, and carry it into practice with benevolence.” – Confucius