Research Methods and Academic Skills Flashcards
6 cards from real BA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Research Methods and Academic Skills flashcards as text
What is the primary tool for finding academic journal articles in college library databases?
Answer: A database search engine such as JSTOR, EBSCOhost, or ProQuest
Academic database platforms like JSTOR, EBSCOhost, and ProQuest provide access to peer-reviewed journals and scholarly publications that are not typically indexed in general internet searches.
What is 'paraphrasing' in academic writing and how does it differ from quoting?
Answer: Paraphrasing restates a source's idea in your own words; quoting reproduces the exact words with quotation marks
Paraphrasing involves restating a source's idea in your own words and sentence structure; both paraphrases and direct quotes require citations.
What does 'peer tutoring' or 'writing center support' offer BA students?
Answer: Trained peer tutors review drafts and provide feedback to help students improve writing skills
Writing centers offer free peer and professional tutoring at all stages of the writing process, helping students develop and revise their own work—not writing it for them.
What is a 'DOI' (Digital Object Identifier) and why is it used in academic citations?
Answer: A permanent unique link to a digital document, ensuring reliable access to cited sources
A DOI is a permanent alphanumeric identifier assigned to digital content (especially journal articles), providing a stable link that doesn't change when websites are updated.
What is 'active reading' as a study skill for BA students?
Answer: Engaging critically with a text by annotating, questioning, and summarizing as you read
Active reading involves strategic engagement with texts—annotating margins, asking questions, identifying main arguments, and making connections—to deepen comprehension and retention.
What is 'time management' in an academic context for BA students?
Answer: Strategically allocating time across coursework, deadlines, and personal responsibilities to maximize performance
Effective time management for BA students involves planning ahead, breaking large tasks into smaller steps, using schedules or calendars, and balancing competing academic and personal demands.