Starting a research assignment can feel overwhelming, but following a structured workflow simplifies the process from initial search to final writing.
Step 1: Broad Exploration (Discovery Platforms)
Start broad to map out your topic, find keywords, and gather background context before diving into dense literature.
• Primary Tool: University Library OneSearch (Search something)
• Objective: Define key concepts, discover primary subject terms, and check immediate full-text availability.
• Actionable Steps:
1. Search your main topic idea (e.g., renewable energy policy).
2. Note recurring subject headings, alternative terminology, and prominent authors.
3. Filter results by Peer-Reviewed Articles and publication year (e.g., last 5 years) to gauge current trends.
Step 2: Deep Literature Retrieval (Academic Databases)
Once you have identified targeted keywords, transition to subject-specific and multidisciplinary academic databases for high-quality, peer-reviewed sources.
| 數據庫 | Primary Focus | Best Used For |
| ProQuest | Multidisciplinary, dissertations, news sources | Deep background research, cross-field studies, and historical context. |
| EBSCOhost | Specialized databases (e.g., PsycINFO, Business Source Complete) | Precision searching within specific fields using targeted filters. |
| Scopus | Citation indexing, broad scientific research | Finding high-impact papers and tracking citation networks. |
• Search Best Practices:
◦ Use Boolean Operators: Combine concepts with AND (narrow results), 或 (broaden results), and NOT (exclude topics).
◦ Use Truncation & Exact Phrases: Use quotes for phrases ("artificial intelligence") and asterisks for word variations (child* for child, children, childhood).
Step 3: AI-Assisted Navigation & Synthesis (Scopus AI)
Accelerate your literature review by using specialized AI features within academic databases to synthesize trends without relying on unverified external LLMs.
• Primary Tool: Scopus AI (Create an account)
• Objective: Get rapid summaries of complex topics backed by indexed, credible sources.
• Actionable Steps:
1. Prompt with Natural Questions: Ask precise research questions (e.g., “How does microplastic pollution impact marine biodiversity?”).
2. Analyze Summaries: Review the generated overview and trace statements back to the cited foundational papers.
3. Map the Topic: Use Scopus AI’s conceptual maps or topic summaries to identify research gaps or secondary sub-topics for your assignment.
4. Verify: Always cross-reference AI-generated summaries with the original full-text PDF.
Step 4: Reference Management & Note-Taking (Zotero)
Organize your bibliography from day one to avoid last-minute citation stress and accidental plagiarism.
• Primary Tool: Zotero (with Zotero Connector browser extension) (Install).
• Objective: Collect, organize, annotate, and cite literature automatically.
• Workflow:
1. Capture: Click the Zotero browser extension while viewing an article page in ProQuest, EBSCO, or Scopus to save the PDF and metadata directly.
2. Organize: Create a dedicated collection folder for your assignment. Tag sources by sub-topic (e.g., #methodology, #background).
3. Annotate: Use Zotero’s built-in PDF reader to highlight key passages and add commentary.
4. Cite: Use the Zotero Word/Google Docs plugin to insert in-text citations and generate your final bibliography in your required style (APA, IEEE, MLA).
Step 5: Draft Optimization & Proofreading (Grammarly)
Refine your writing structure, clarity, and tone once your draft is complete.
• Primary Tool: Grammarly (Install).
• Objective: Polishing grammar, enhancing academic tone, and checking for structural clarity.
• Guidelines for Use:
◦ Tone Setting: Set your goals to 教學人員 domain and Formal tone.
◦ Clarity First: Prioritize fixing wordiness, passive voice overuse, and unclear sentence structures.
◦ Integrity Check: Use the built-in originality checker as a final safeguard to ensure all quoted or paraphrased material is cited in Zotero.
◦ Critical Review: Accept suggestions selectively—ensure the AI does not alter your specific domain terminology or intended arguments.