COMS420: Communication Research

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COMS420 Communication Research

• Professor Diane Dates Casey
• d-casey_at_govst.edu
• 708-534-4110

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Communication Abstracts

• Print version found in the Index Area of the
  Library
• Online version Academic Search Elite
• Remember that the full-text is of an abstract,
  not a journal article.

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How to find a journal article
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Traditional Way
Search the journal title on ILLINET Online (web
version) or the in-house tool, GSU Periodicals
Holdings List. If the record indicates that the
GSU library subscribes to the title, check for
the years covered. Go to the librarys
periodicals section to pull the item off the
shelf. Journals are shelved alphabetically by
journal title. Copy the article.
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Online Way
Access Full Text Journals List and look up
your journal title. If it is listed, check the
dates covered and which database(s) listed.
Next, return to Journals/ Databases A-Z and
access your database. Remember, if you are
online at home, login through off campus access.
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Elements of a Research Article

• Introduction - states problem and cites past
  literature.
• Methods - discusses research design, subjects
  used, and data analysis methods.
• Results - evaluates statistical significance.
• Discussion - does it answer the research
  question, what is the future research?
• Bibliography list of references cited.

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APA
The Book Publication Manual of the
American Psychological Association, 5th
Ed BF76.7.P832001 or ask at the reference desk or
on Reserve at the circulation
desk.
APA Style Web Sites Citing Full Text
Databases APA Style APA Style Guide tells how
to cite articles you copied out of a journal.
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Tips for Success

• Begin early.
• Understand your preferences and the
  instructors guidelines.
• Discuss questions with your instructor or
  subject librarian.