Social Work

This page will help you get more out of your Library resources for your assignments, projects and dissertations in Social Work

Independent Research - getting started

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How to identify different sources of information and links to useful books and ebooks.

For some assignments, our Discovery Service will give you enough sources to work with. Sometimes you may want to try specific databases or journals - perhaps your lecturer has recommended particular names as a good way of finding articles. This page lists key sources for Social Work:

To search databases systematically you must first consider the vocabulary you are using and how you combine your search terms. This Applying a search strategy library guide will help you in this process, or if you prefer to use mind mapping techniques this Choosing keywords guide may also help you.

Having decided upon your search terms you will need to use the advanced search screens of Discovery or your preferred databases to conduct your search. In some cases you may wish to use the search history function to develop a systematic search strategy. Advanced search strategies require you to utilize Boolean operators. The following video demonstrates how to use the advanced search option.

The University Library also provides access to a large range of resources to help you to develop your research skills. This includes the Sage Research Methods package.

Access books and videos about quantitative and qualitative research methods and many more social science research topics. Use the Tools drop-down at the top centre of the screen to access a handy Project Planner which is full of FAQs about what you need to consider at each stage in a project/dissertation. Tools also contains a Methods Map which is ideal for quickly finding details about a particular research method.

 

• Databases

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Collections of specialist, subject specific journal literature.

• Statistics

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Links to databases and online sources of statistics

Referencing

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Guidance and support for referencing in APA7 and links to information on reference management software

Your Subject Team

 Hannah Britcher

Faculty Librarian

email hannah.britcher@port.ac.uk

phone (023) 9284 3227

 Marie Smith

Assistant Faculty Librarian

email Marie.smith@port.ac.uk

phone (023) 9284 3339