Educational resources information center

Critical thinking questions

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Advantages and disadvantages of computer search

Educational resources information center (ERIC) is an academic research database with very useful information for scholars and anyone with a keen interest in knowledge. This database is frequently updated, to be precise; on monthly basis due to the frequency in new knowledge. Computer search, courtesy to internet has proven to be a great platform for the availability of such wealth of information for all.

One of the few advantages is the easy access of both stone-age information written by scholars of the past and current information. With monthly updates of information in the ERIC database, the inordinate time taken to edit and publish some hardcopy materials will deny some fervent scholars the updated information, but with computer search, first-hand information will be available as soon as it is released. Computers will also give the opportunity to stay in-touch with some authors as you indulge in sharing opinions basing on logical reasoning and creative dialogue on research issues for clarity (Collins, 2010). This inspires motivation and additional research. Computer search also gives variable related sources in a singular interface eradicating monotony in information search by giving you a collection of other sources that you probably would have disregarded. In spite of all this, computer search on ERIC will occasionally give limited information as the detailed one is restricted and only allowed upon financial settlements. This protected information might be costly and in most cases restrict your research.

Abstracts or original articles

The CJIE is part of the ERIC publication giving consistent updates on journals related to education. The journals are cited and in addition, introductory statements of content are given. It is advised to screen the original journal because abstracts are shallow in content with very brief information on the entire journal article. Abstracts give information from a general perspective that would probably be covered in different related topics, if in need of thorough research and accurate information on particulars of your field of study, the content of the original paper will be useful to prove the relationship of the information to your research.

Secondary sources, traits and limitations

Secondary sources are a good place to start a research topic because they have been edited and tailored by experts, specifically to suit research and information on specific fields of study. With experts’ input, a wide view of knowledge and academic insight on real situations and history is provided in relationship to the original source or event. Experts give a critical assessment on related issues, with the intention of making value judgment or even trigger extended research on the question of choice (Merkler & Charles, 2011). Secondary sources basically they lack originality as they use information inferred from primary sources as, conceptualize it and give in their thoughts, either by questioning the logic behind the inception of the ideas or adding information. Secondary sources have either undergone various interpretations for clarity of reference or translations. Despite them being a reliable source of reference, the works of experts may distort the virgin information and make it lose meaning or the intention of the original author. This happens when experts give a different comprehensive version far from the intention of the original author, making it lose its originality and purpose. Some of these sources may also have incomplete out laid information restricting your research at that moment but inspires your future quest for knowledge.

Library holdings and primary sources

Primary sources are original document materials of events or art. Most libraries are organized to facilitate ease of access to these sources. Arranged in sections such as the: Research data section with statistical data, records, and experimental studies: Personal accounts with information on first hand interviews, original letters and diaries: Government record section with information on government agendas and meetings with detailed discussions. Others may include the artifacts sections with sources like stones, clothes, and jewels proven to be authentic.

Strategies for literature review

Literature review can be tedious as it mostly involves a large number of reports. Strategies have to be put in place to avoid complexities. Reducing numbers of citations based on the years of publications or by adding more descriptors while reviewing literature on a given topic is the best strategy, (Mertler and Charles, 2011). Using ERIC database search engine, I will aim to focuss on relevant topics of interest to my research question, there after scaling down the search to years of publication to find the source of interest.

Statistic concepts and accuracy

Statistics can be referred to as research and collection of data, interpreting the collected data before making observations and presenting it. Some of the statistical terms and concept such as mean, mode, correlation, regression and level of reasoning like a statiscian is fundamental in research interpretation. Accuracy depends with a firm foundation in these concepts as they give you the motive to find their relevance to real world. They give you an opportunity to question studies, scrutinize them as you compare and contrast with other presentations. In case of incomplete information or lack of clarity, you will be inspired to do an independent research project of your own to address these issues.

References.

Mertler, C. & Charles, C. (2011). Introduction to educational research (7th ed.). San Francisco: Allyn and Bacon. ISBN: 9780137013449

Collins, M. L. (2010). Bridging the evidence gap in developmental education. Journal of Developmental Education, 34(1), 2-25. Retrieved from EBSCOhost database

Foundation for Critical Thinking. (2011). The critical thinking community. Retrieved from http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/about-critical-thinking/1019