Research Methods

Data collection methods for writing research papers

Step 1: Identifying the research topic, scope and potential problem
Goal: Clarifying the objectives and direction of the research
Step 2: Searching Dictionaries and / or Encyclopedia
Goal: Understanding the background, development issues, recognizing relevant bibliography
Strategy: Identifying Keywords
Domain: Library Catalog, OCLC Open WorldCat(Keyword)
Step 3: Searching Catalog
Goal: In-depth understanding of the topic, narrow down the topics
Strategy: Identifying Subject Headings, related authors and titles
Domain: Library Catalog, OCLC Open WorldCat
Step 4: Searching Periodicals
Goal: Extensive finding on recent research, prepare summaries
Strategy: Using developed – keyword or Subject heading, author, title, etc.
Domain: Logos periodical collections; Chinese Christian Journals Index – CES, ABS
Electronic databases – abstract, full-text: Proquest, ATLARD, OT/ NT Abstract,PsycArticles
Step 5: Searching Dissertations
Goal: Extensive finding on recent research, prepare supporting information
Strategy: Using developed – keyword or Subject heading, author, title, etc.
Domain: Logos Thesis collection; Online Thesis abstract – RIM, TREN, OCLC 1stSch, PQDTopen
Step 6: Biblical Study (Optional)
Goal: Strengthening biblical support
Strategy: Make use of various softwares
Domain: BibleWorks, PC Studies Bible, Logos Bible Software, Almega Bible Tools, E-sword etc.
Step 7: Additional research (Optional)
Goal: Conducting field research, statistics, case study etc.
Strategy: Observation, questionnaire, interview, survey etc.
Domain: Online resources etc.