Research Methods Resources
- Sage Research Methods This link opens in a new window
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SAGE Research Methods is the ultimate methods library with more than 1000 books, reference works, journal articles, and instructional videos by world-leading academics from across the social sciences, including the largest collection of qualitative methods books available online from any scholarly publisher. The site is designed to guide users to the content they need to learn a little or a lot about their method. The Methods Map can help those less familiar with research methods to find the best technique to use in their research. Toronto Metropolitan has the SRM Core and SRM Subsequent Core collections. Other collections available are:
- SRM Books & Reference (Core)
- SRM Video: Practical Research & Academic Skills Video
- SRM Video: Data Science, Big Data Analytics, & Digital Methods
- SRM Video: Market Research
- Sage Research Methods: Project PlannerThis tool is designed to guide you through your research project. First, think about what stage you're at in your research. If you've already gotten started, click on the stage that best describes where you are. If you're just starting out, it might be helpful to read more about why we do research before getting started.
- Oxford Reference This link opens in a new window
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Oxford Reference, previously known as Oxford Reference Online Premium, comprises more than 120 dictionaries and reference titles covering a comprehensive subject spectrum including: General Reference, Language, Science and Medicine, Humanities and Social Sciences, Business and Professional content.
- Scholarly CommunicationThis guide contains information and resources related to scholarly communication and publishing at Toronto Metropolitan University.
- Reading StrategicallyWhen reading scholarly literature, read strategically. Scan articles before reading in depth, focusing on the elements that will give you the information you need first. This will quickly let you know what the article is about and its relevancy for your research. It will also prepare you to later read the full article, giving you a mental map of its structure and purpose. This handout highlights the structure of most scholarly articles.
- Indigenous Information LiteracyThis book outlines best principles for working with Indigenous print and oral sources in academic research. Topics include evaluating Indigenous print sources for credibility and authenticity, finding Indigenous authors, and respectfully working with Elders.
Literature Review Resources
In essence, a literature review is a comprehensive overview of prior research regarding a specific topic. The overview both shows the reader what is known about a topic, and what is not yet known, thereby setting up the rationale or need for a new investigation, which is what the actual study to which the literature review is attached seeks to do.
from Denney, A. S., & Tewksbury, R. (2013). How to write a literature review. Journal of Criminal Justice Education, 24(2), 218-234. doi:10.1080/10511253.2012.730617
Advanced Research Skills: Conducting Literature and Systematic Reviews by
Publication Date: 2022
A short course for graduate students to increase their proficiency in conducting research for literature and systematic reviews. After taking the mini course graduate students will understand how to conduct their review, how to execute appropriate searches, manage their results and demonstrate strategic reading skills. Module 1 provides a quick overview of the different types of academic reviews and the steps involved in conducting them. Module 2 demonstrates how to formulate a research question and how to search for sources. Module 3 discusses how to select and organize sources. Finally, Module 4 outlines techniques for reading and assessing the quality of sources. The course contains interactive H5P activities for students to test their learning. Students have access to a workbook of reflective activities to document their research process. The intended outcome is to ensure graduate students understand how to conduct and manage their own research for their academic success and future careers.
- Literature Review: an overview for graduate students (video, 9 minutes)What is a literature review? What purpose does it serve in research? What should you expect when writing one? Find out here. (Thanks to North Carolina State University Libraries)
- A Literature Review (video, 3:30 minutes)The literature review is an essential part of a research paper. It informs the reader about the former and current trends in thinking on a topic, the research that has already been done and has not been done, and gaps in the literature. That gap is the perfect opportunity to introduce your research and explain how it advances knowledge in the field, supports or refutes other research, and suggest paths for further research. (Thanks to University of South Florida Libraries)
- Writing a Literature Review Section (video, 3 minutes)A key part of any research paper is the literature review section. Learn how to research, structure and write this important part of your project. (Thanks to San Jose State University, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library)
- Sage Research Methods Project Planner: Reviewing the LiteratureThis document will explain what a literature review is and why you need to do one; define the steps in a literature search and a literature review; and give you an overview of where to look for appropriate
literature. - Systematic ReviewsThis guide is intended for students, research assistants and faculty who are planning to undertake a systematic review, or who are interested in applying systematic research methods to a current project.
Graduate Research Support Modules
- Graduate SupportThese three videos are short (3-4 min.) and cover the following topics:
1. Searching and Selecting Topics: Range of resources -- Research as a non-linear process -- Research strategies -- Selection criteria -- Setting research boundaries -- Help and support.
2. Positioning Sources: Strategies for starting the writing process -- Evaluating sources for credibility, quality, relevance -- Incorporating sources.
3. Integrating Sources: Why we cite -- Good research is dependent on the works of others -- Direct quotation -- Paraphrasing -- Summarizing