The Technology Context – B101

Secondary research techniques

Academic year 2011/12



Objectives:

1. Types of research information and sources
2. Analysis of secondary research sources

Science and engineering activities

Coursework research

Write an article about the Domain Name System (DNS) that address the questions below: How would you describe the size of the Domain Name System? Which 3 components are the most important for DNS operations and how are they related to each other? How would you describe the function of the Domain Name System? Is the operation of the Domain Name System affected by any legislation in the UK? What is the most significant limitation to the continued operation of the Domain Name System?

Coursework research

Write an article about the Domain Name System (DNS) that address the questions below: How would you describe the size of the Domain Name System? Which 3 components are the most important for DNS operations and how are they related to each other? How would you describe the function of the Domain Name System? Is the operation of the Domain Name System affected by any legislation in the UK? What is the most significant limitation to the continued operation of the Domain Name System?

Sustainable engineering is design that satisfies constraints and provides benefits. Quantitative skills Functional requirements Production constraints Economic constraints Qualitative skills: writing, speaking, listening, empathy, ethical analysis Environmental objectives Social objectives Cultural objectives

Primary research sources

Primary research is the collection of original data clearly separated from subsequent analysis or commentary.

It is not required for this unit.

Secondary research sources

Secondary research is analysis or commentary which uses original data collected from an earlier activity or project.

It is required for this unit.

Quantitative research information

Write an article about the Domain Name System (DNS) that address the questions below: How would you describe the size of the Domain Name System? Which 3 components are the most important for DNS operations and how are they related to each other? How would you describe the function of the Domain Name System? Is the operation of the Domain Name System affected by any legislation in the UK? What is the most significant limitation to the continued operation of the Domain Name System?

Qualitative research information

Write an article about the Domain Name System (DNS) that address the questions below: How would you describe the size of the Domain Name System? Which 3 components are the most important for DNS operations and how are they related to each other? How would you describe the function of the Domain Name System? Is the operation of the Domain Name System affected by any legislation in the UK? What is the most significant limitation to the continued operation of the Domain Name System?

Developing your thesis statement or research question

1. Choose keywords that helps you to clarify the coursework topic
2. Use the keywords to write a thesis statement or research question to act as:
   • a guide for your research
   • an organization for your writing
   • the focus of your conclusion

Coursework research

Write an article about the Domain Name System (DNS) that address the questions below: How would you describe the size of the Domain Name System? Which 3 components are the most important for DNS operations and how are they related to each other? How would you describe the function of the Domain Name System? Is the operation of the Domain Name System affected by any legislation in the UK? What is the most significant limitation to the continued operation of the Domain Name System?

Developing your thesis statement or research question: Choose keywords that helps you to clarify the coursework topic Use the keywords to write a thesis statement or research question to act as: a guide for your research an organization for your writing the focus of your conclusion

Steps when reading research sources

1. Scan the source to develop an identify the main headers and conclusions.
2. Formulate questions that you expect to have answered by reading the source.
3. Read the source at your own pace while taking notes and trying to answer the questions you have from step 2.
   • Record enough information about the source to make it easy to write the references list later.
   • Save your notes even if you do not intend to use the source for your coursework.
4. After you finish reading, add a review of the source to your notes.

Write and save your research notes directly into your B101 coursework pages.

How did you find the research source?

• Better answers tend to have a reason, e.g.
  • It was referenced from another source.
  • It was mentioned in another source.
  • It is written by the same author as another source I found.
  • It is an opposing view or conclusion to another source I found.
  • It is written by an author that I have read in the past.
• Weaker answers tend to be random, e.g.
  • I found it using Google.
  • I couldn't find anything else.
  • I didn't have time to look further.

Why is the research source relevant to your coursework?

• Content
  • What is the key technical issue?
  • What is the key non-technical issue?
  • Is the conclusion easy to follow from the article content?
  • How does it relate to your thesis statement or research question?
• Objectivity
  • Is the article intended for the general public or an expert audience?
  • Is the information mostly fact, opinion, marketing or propaganda?

Why is the research source reliable?

• Authority
  • What are the author's credentials or qualifications?
  • Why is the author qualified to write on this topic?
• Accuracy
  • Can you verify the information from your own knowledge?
  • Can you verify the information using other sources?
  • Do quotes appear with their source?
  • Are information sources clearly indicated?
  • Is the information up to date?
  • Are there grammatical or spelling errors?
• Credibility
  • Why should anyone believe information in the article?
  • Does the article use assumptions as facts?
  • Is there a relationship between the author and the source subject?

Coursework research

Write an article about the Domain Name System (DNS) that address the questions below: How would you describe the size of the Domain Name System? Which 3 components are the most important for DNS operations and how are they related to each other? How would you describe the function of the Domain Name System? Is the operation of the Domain Name System affected by any legislation in the UK? What is the most significant limitation to the continued operation of the Domain Name System?

Write and save your research notes directly into your B101 coursework pages. Choose keywords that helps you to clarify the coursework topic Use the keywords to write a thesis statement or research question to act as: A guide for your research. An organization for your writing. The focus of your conclusion. Read each research source and write notes: Scan the source to develop an identify the main headers and conclusions. Formulate questions that you expect to have answered by reading the source. Read the source at your own pace while taking notes and trying to answer your questions. Record enough information about the source to make it easy to write the references list later. Save your notes even if you do not intend to use the source for your coursework. After you finish reading, add a review of the source to your notes: How did you find it? Why is it relevant? Why is it reliable?