The second Graduate Research Seminar of the semester was led by President Margee Ensign, titled “Effective Literature Review: The Do’s and Don’ts.” Dr. Ensign began by discussing the seven interconnected steps in the research process which are: defining a topic, developing a research question, reviewing the literature, designing the research and choosing the method, gathering data, analyzing data, discussing findings.
Dr. Ensign explained that the literature review is critical as it provides a foundation of knowledge on the topic, helps the researcher know what studies have already been done or are lacking within the topic, establishes where additional research is needed to address inconsistencies or questions, shows how the current work relates with others or will provide new knowledge in the topic researched, and demonstrates originality.
The Research Seminar Series continued on Thursday, September 30, 2021, with Dr. Jacob’s introduction of the topic, “Easy-to-use tools, and methods for effective literature review”. He said the literature review should summarize and synthesize the arguments and ideas of existing knowledge in a particular field.
Dr. Mohammed Aminu, a faculty member in the School of Arts and Sciences gave a practical demonstration on how to use Scopus - the largest abstract and citation database of peer-reviewed literature and the reference management tool, Mendeley.
The Seminar concluded with general discussions on predatory journals, where to, and where not to publish, and what makes a peer-reviewed journal reputable. Clarifications were made on open access journals.
Dr. Aminu also explained how to apply for a publication payment waiver for non-funded research in open access journals. The seminar concluded with Professor Jacob reiterating the need for graduate students to use the resources available at the AUN library. He announced a biweekly practical workshop on how to use the citation manager Zotero. The workshop will be held in collaboration with the library every Wednesday and Friday at noon.
About 83 participants joined interactive Seminars. The series continues next Thursday at 6 pm.