What research topic do you think that you will focus upon for this semester’s work? Why? Answer in one or two sentences.

Your first writing assignment will be a Critical Annotated Bibliography, which will require you to locate five (5) scholarly sources and analyze them.You will choose a research topic to focus on in your papers this semester. This discussion will get you started.

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Watch the video, “How to Read and Comprehend Scientific Research Articles.” The video is linked to the Content for this week. This video shows you how to break down one kind of scholarly article to understand it. (Please note that you might find many kinds of research articles. You can find out more about identifying different types of scholarly articles by visiting the links, “Identify Scholarly Articles” and “Different Types of Scholarly Sources” in Week 1 Content/Resources.)
• Review the “Template for Taking Notes on Research Articles.”
• Read “Searching Basics” from the UMGC Library to learn how to get started on your own research.
• Optional for this task: Watch Library Tutorials #1 and #2. They’ll help you in your search as well.

Then, respond to this discussion topic by answering the following questions.

1. What research topic do you think that you will focus upon for this semester’s work? Why? Answer in one or two sentences.

2. In your opinion, what is the most important step to take when reading research articles? According to the material you’ve watched and read, what is the most important step to take when reading research articles? Answer in one or two sentences.

3. After reading “Searching Basics” and/or watching the first two library tutorials, please find one (1) article on your chosen research topic that review and give the findings of a research study. In responding to this discussion topic, give the author(s), the title of the article, and a brief one- or two-sentence description of the research study and its findings.

(The activity in this last task will help you get started on your Critical Annotated Bibliography, which is Writing Assignment #1.)

4. Now take a moment to reflect on one classmate’s chosen topic (refer to #2). Respond to his or her thread and write one to two sentences sharing your thoughts on his or her topic.

Please note that you will not be able to see other students’ responses to this discussion topic until you post your response.

You must start a thread before you can read and reply to other threads