PROJ classes at SAIT are an opportunity for you to perform research to solve real-world industry problems.Your project will involve both primary research, where you gather the data, and secondary research, where you look for information that has already been created. Being able to find, assess, and use credible information is important for both this project and future industry assignments.
For any search, it is helpful to develop a search strategy before you begin so that your search is narrowed and focused.
Decide what you want to research based upon your assignment requirements. Then, turn your topic into a research question. Focus your search on answering all aspects of that question.
EXAMPLE:
Your topic is "evaluation of bridge structures using technology."
Your research question could be: "How can I use sensors to remotely monitor the structural health of a bridge?"
Identify the main concepts in your question and develop keywords based upon that question. Brainstorm synonyms and related concepts for your keywords.
Make your search make your search more effective by using the following to separate your keywords (terms):
AND - find all the terms (ex. "age discrimination" AND workplace)
OR - find any of the terms (ex. workplace OR workforce)
NOT - exclude a certain term (ex. Canada NOT "United States")
EXAMPLE:
Your keywords could be:
|
technology sensors remote real-time |
structural health structural integrity structural capacity |
Monitor Measurement bridges (specific type) Criteria: vibration, cracking, |
You can find credible information using Library Search, the main search box on the library homepage. You also may need to select subject specific resources and/or search engines like Google to fully answer your research question. It is good practice to draw information from a variety of sources.
EXAMPLE: A search string based upon the above concepts could be:
("real-time" OR remote) AND monitor* AND "structural integrity" AND bridges
Search for your topic, refine your search string, and then search again.
