Need help with your Assignment?

Get a timely done, PLAGIARISM-FREE paper
from our highly-qualified writers!

How to Conduct Effective Online Research

How to Conduct Effective Online Research

Online research has become integral to academic and professional endeavors in our current digital age. The vast information available at our fingertips presents research opportunities and challenges. The increased utilization of online research has been brought about by the invention of the internet, thus prompting quick access to answers and information from online databases. This paper will examine the various methods that can be adopted to conduct effective research online, including but not limited to formulating the research question, making use of online databases and advanced search engines, and the importance of avoiding plagiarism at all costs.

The first step of conducting effective online research is formulating a well-defined research topic and questions. Developing a research question is essential because it helps ensure that the research is focused on a specific aspect, hence preventing the loss of time spent reading through a vast amount of irrelevant information. In this stage, researchers should ensure that their research questions are specific, clear, and concise (Muljan & Luo, 2019). For instance, the research question should address several issues, including but not limited to the end goal, the reasons for conducting the research, and what the researcher anticipates attaining at the end of the research.

After formulating the research question, the researcher may also use an online database to conduct the research. Some commonly used databases include Google Scholar, PubMed, and JSTOR, which comprise many peer-reviewed articles, books, journals, and scholarly publications (Rasheed et al., 2020). These platforms are important because they allow users to refine their searches using filters such as publication data and relevance. While utilizing the information in the articles available on these platforms, users are often advised to consider noting all the relevant publication information to accurately develop the reference list (Muljan & Luo, 2019). Using multiple search engines, one can broaden their research and ensure they get all the valuable information.

Besides the above-explained strategies, an additional method to conduct effective online research entails utilizing advanced search engines. Many search engines provide advanced search options that permit individual researchers to refine their research results. For example, an individual may consider using quotation marks to search for an exact phrase on a website. Also, other users may consider using a minus to exclude some words from the search or using the site search operator (Rasheed et al., 2020). Using advanced search techniques makes it easier for one to locate the right type of information.

Finally, researchers need to consider avoiding plagiarism while conducting online research. Plagiarism has been identified as one of the offenses in academic and professional settings (Kaup et al., 2020). To avoid unintentional plagiarism, authors must ensure that all their sources are properly cited on the reference page. Furthermore, paraphrased information requires proper attribution (Kaup et al., 2020). When a researcher uses direct quotes, they must ensure that the text is enclosed in quotation marks and provide the page number from where the information was retrieved within the in-text citation.

In summary, there are different ways that researchers can embrace to conduct online research effectively. For instance, researchers may consider developing well-defined research topics and questions. Using online databases such as Google Scholar or PubMed is also essential in ensuring the relevance of the search results. Also, utilizing advanced search engines and avoiding plagiarism are commendable methods for conducting effective research. Besides the four methods discussed above, considering other scholars’ information and evaluating the materials available at one’s disposal is recommended. Researchers need to develop a major idea that cuts across various available sources as they read through the works of other authors. Evaluating materials entails determining whether the sources from online research are refereed journals, books and serial monographs, term paper repositories, or a series sponsored by a reputable group, to mention a few.

References

Kaup, S., Kaup, S., Jain, R., Shivalli, S., & Pandey, S. (2020). Sustaining academics during COVID-19 pandemic: The role of online teaching-learning. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, 68(6), 1220. Retrieved on 15th August 2023, from https://doi.org/10.4103/ijo.ijo_1241_20

Muljana, P. S., & Luo, T. (2019). Factors contributing to student retention in online learning and recommended strategies for improvement: A systematic literature review. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 18, 019–057. Retrieved on 15th August 2023, from https://doi.org/10.28945/4182

Rasheed, R. A., Kamsin, A., & Abdullah, N. A. (2020). Challenges in the online component of blended learning: A systematic review. Computers & Education, 144(1), 103701. Retrieved on 15th August 2023, from https://doi.org/10.1016/

ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

We’ll write everything from scratch

Question 


After conducting independent research using at least three sources not used in the class write an essay that evaluates how to conduct effective research online.

How to Conduct Effective Online Research

How to Conduct Effective Online Research

No plagiarism

Order Solution Now