Laying the Foundation: Preliminary Tasks - CLDDV 111 - Health, Safety, and Nutrition - Carnahan-Cook - Research Guides at Modesto Junior College Library

Background Reading

Many students turn to Wikipedia for their initial exploration of a topic. This is fine, but be sure to augment your background research with sources you can actually include on an academic bibliography (a.k.a. your References list).

Conduct background research because:

It is a great source of core knowledge on your topic
It can generate ideas on different ways to focus your topic
It can answer research questions you've already posed
It may help you clarify and/or expand research questions.
It often points you towards other sources of information on your topic

____________________________

The list below includes both print and online resources to help you get started with your preliminary reading.

All of these resources are free for MJC students, faculty, and staff. If you're working from off campus, you'll need to sign in. Once you click on the name of a database or eBook, simply enter your student ID (without the W) and your six-digit birth date.

Gale eBooks This link opens in a new window
Use this database for preliminary reading as you start your research. You'll learn about your topic by reading authoritative topic overviews on a wide variety of subjects.
CQ Researcher Online This link opens in a new window
This is the resource for finding original, comprehensive reporting and analysis to get background information on issues in the news. It provides overviews of topics related to health, social trends, criminal justice, international affairs, education, the environment, technology, and the economy in America.
Facts on File Databases This link opens in a new window
Facts on File database include Issues & Controversies and Today's Science.
Access World News This link opens in a new window
Search the full text of editions of record for local, regional, and national U.S. newspapers as well as full-text content of key international sources. Your source for The Modesto Bee
Watch this short video to learn how to find The Modesto Bee.

Evaluate and Refine: Preliminary Reading

Developing Research Questions

WHAT KINDS OF SPECIFIC QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK?

Always look at your assignment for clues on the types of information and the actual content of information you’ll need to find for your research. For this essay, Prof. Carnahan-Cook has given you an assignment with items she'd like you to address. You can turn those elements into research questions that you need to answer in the course of your research. This is a huge benefit to you because these questions give you a focus and a road map to follow to find information.

Brainstorm keywords: child immunization: childhood, vaccination, vaccination schedule, laws,

_________________________

Introductory Questions (General)

What does childhood immunization refer to?
- Provide a comprehensive definition from a specialized encyclopedia or website (Gale Virtual Reference Library, CDC.gov).
Why is this issue important? (Vaccine controversies, more about vaccine controversies, recent news about childhood immunization to provide more context? )

Body Questions (More analytical)

What is the typical immunization schedule for children in the U.S. (American Academy of Pediatrics)? Are there differences state by state (Immunization Action Coalition, National Conference of State Legislatures LegisBrief)?
Why are the reasons why childhood immunization is considered critical (CDC.org, Immunization Action Coalition, EBSCO database articles)?
Why would a parent choose not to immunize (Immunization Action Coalition?

Concluding Questions (Wrapping up)

Based on my research, what do I think about immunizations and why?