Research
Librarian: Elizabeth Torres
etorres@hpu.edu
Scientific Method
Research Literature
Databases for Background Information
Databases for Scholarly Literature
Periodicals for Local Information
https://www.hpu.edu/library
First think of your group's social problem in general, find background information to understand the different aspects of your problem.
Search resources that have background resources.
- HPU Discovery - Books & encyclopedia articles
- CQ Researcher - Journalistic reports on hot topic
- Opposing Viewpoints - Viewpoint essays & encyclopedia articles
- Global Issues - Viewpoints essays & encyclopedia articles
Library Website> Databases>Select Specific Database
Background Information
- Why this issue important?
- Identify stakeholders and key concepts
- Contextualize the issue
Now think of your group's social problem using the sustainability table...
Search for scholarly literatures using terms that you identified in the background information related to sustainability elements.
- HPU Discovery
- Academic Search Complete
- JSTOR
- Science Direct
- Gale Databases
Search Strings
Now think of how your discipline could be applied to your group social problem...
Select specialized databases tailored to specific disciplines.
Academic Search>Choose Databases>Select Subject Specific Databases>Limit 10 years
EBSCO vs GALE
Now think of your group's social problem locally...
Search resources that have local content.
- Honolulu Star Advertiser
- Contemporary Pacific
- UH Scholar Space
- Civil Beat
- State Agencies
Honolulu Star Advertiser
UH Scholar Space
Civil Beat
Other Resources for Local Topics
Search Strings
Search Strings
Google>Tools>Any time> Custome range
Team Activity: Concept Mapping Your Social Issue
🎨 What You’ll Use:
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Giant Postcard & Markers (provided)
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Work together as a team—discuss and decide on key concepts!
🔍 Think About:
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How does this issue impact different communities?
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The sustainability table.
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Where can you find background information to support research?
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How do disciplines within your group approach this issue differently?
💡 Wrap-Up: Be prepared to briefly explain your concept map and key takeaways to the class.
Team Activity: Concept Mapping Your Social Issue
Instructions:
1️⃣ Define the Issue – Start by writing your social issue in the center of your concept map.
2️⃣ Brainstorm Influencing Factors – Consider causes, consequences, and related topics.
3️⃣ Think Across Lenses – Analyze the issue using social, economic, and environmental perspectives.
4️⃣ Consider Stakeholders – Identify groups affected by or influencing the issue (e.g., policymakers, communities, businesses).
5️⃣ Find Relevant Sources – Based on today’s session, what credible resources (databases, news, scholarly journals) could help explore the issue?
6️⃣ Draw Connections – Use arrows, branches, or symbols to show relationships between concepts.
Team Activity
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Using your concept map incorporate framework- list potential causes across social/economic/environmental lenses and your group's disciplines
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Input potential sources found thus far
What are some of the concepts that have been popping up in your searches?
Group Activity
SWRK 1010
By Elizabeth Torres
