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33. How to conduct literary research and use academic databases

Conducting literary research and using academic databases is an essential skill for students and scholars in English Studies and other humanities disciplines. This process involves identifying a research question, finding and analyzing relevant sources, and using academic databases to access scholarly materials. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to conduct literary research and effectively use academic databases, with examples and case studies to illustrate each step.

1. Identifying a Research Question

Before diving into research, it’s important to have a clear research question or thesis. This question should be specific, focused, and researchable.

  • Example: How does the use of stream-of-consciousness narrative technique in Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway contribute to the novel’s exploration of mental illness?
  • Case Study: A graduate student interested in modernist literature might start by reading broadly about the narrative techniques used in the period. This preliminary reading helps narrow down the research question to something specific, like the use of stream-of-consciousness in Woolf's work.

2. Starting with a Literature Review

A literature review involves surveying existing scholarship on your topic to understand what has already been said and where there might be gaps or new perspectives to explore.

  • Example: Begin by reviewing key texts on stream-of-consciousness in modernist literature, including both primary sources (e.g., novels) and secondary sources (e.g., scholarly articles and books).
  • Case Study: For the research question on Woolf’s narrative technique, the student might review existing analyses of Mrs. Dalloway and other works by Woolf, as well as general studies of modernist narrative techniques. This helps them understand the critical conversation around their topic.

3. Using Academic Databases

Academic databases are essential tools for finding scholarly articles, books, and other resources relevant to your research. Here’s how to use them effectively:

a. Choosing the Right Database

  • Example:
    • JSTOR: Good for accessing a broad range of scholarly articles in literature, history, and the humanities.
    • Project MUSE: Focuses on the humanities and social sciences, with many articles in literary studies.
    • MLA International Bibliography: A specialized database for literature, language, and linguistics.
  • Case Study: A researcher looking for articles on Virginia Woolf might start with the MLA International Bibliography, as it’s specifically tailored for literary research. They can then expand their search to JSTOR and Project MUSE for additional perspectives.

b. Conducting a Search

  • Example: Use keywords and Boolean operators to refine your search. For the Woolf example, you might start with:

    • Keywords: “Virginia Woolf,” “Mrs. Dalloway,” “stream of consciousness,” “narrative technique”
    • Boolean operators: Virginia Woolf AND stream of consciousness AND mental illness

  • Case Study: A researcher finds that a simple search for “Virginia Woolf” yields too many results. They refine their search by adding more specific terms, such as “narrative technique” or “modernist literature,” to narrow the focus.

c. Evaluating Sources

  • Example: Look for peer-reviewed articles, which have been reviewed by experts in the field. Evaluate the relevance of each source by reading abstracts and skimming through the introduction and conclusion.

  • Case Study: After conducting a search, the student identifies several articles on Mrs. Dalloway. They choose a few that specifically discuss Woolf’s use of stream-of-consciousness and its thematic implications, ensuring these sources are peer-reviewed.

4. Organizing and Analyzing Sources

Once you’ve gathered your sources, organize them in a way that supports your research question.

  • Example: Use reference management software like Zotero or EndNote to organize your sources, making it easier to cite them later.

  • Case Study: The student uses Zotero to group sources by theme, such as “narrative technique,” “mental illness in literature,” and “modernist literature,” which helps in structuring their literature review and argument.

5. Close Reading and Textual Analysis

Close reading involves analyzing the text itself to uncover deeper meanings and connections to your research question.

  • Example: In Mrs. Dalloway, the student might analyze specific passages where Woolf uses stream-of-consciousness to portray the mental states of her characters, linking these findings back to their broader research question about mental illness.

  • Case Study: The student performs a close reading of key scenes in Mrs. Dalloway, noting how Woolf’s narrative choices contribute to the depiction of the protagonist’s mental health struggles. They compare these findings with the interpretations found in their secondary sources.

6. Writing the Research Paper

Integrate your analysis of primary texts with the scholarly perspectives you’ve gathered. Your research paper should argue your thesis, supported by evidence from both primary and secondary sources.

  • Example: Write a paper that argues how Woolf’s use of stream-of-consciousness in Mrs. Dalloway serves as a literary technique to explore the fragmented nature of human consciousness, particularly in relation to mental illness.

  • Case Study: The student drafts their research paper, using quotes from Mrs. Dalloway to support their analysis and citing scholarly articles to contextualize their argument within existing literature.

7. Citing Sources

Proper citation is crucial in academic writing. Use a citation style appropriate for your discipline (e.g., MLA, APA, or Chicago).

  • Example: In MLA style, a citation for a journal article might look like this:

    • Smith, John. "Stream of Consciousness in Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway." Journal of Modernist Studies, vol. 12, no. 3, 2019, pp. 45-67.

  • Case Study: The student ensures that all sources are correctly cited in their paper, using MLA format for both in-text citations and the Works Cited page.

8. Presenting Your Research

If required, you may need to present your research findings to an audience, such as in a classroom or at a conference.

  • Example: Prepare a presentation that summarizes your research question, methodology, findings, and significance. Use visual aids like slides to highlight key points.

  • Case Study: The student presents their findings at a graduate seminar, using quotes from Woolf’s text and key arguments from their sources to support their analysis. They answer questions from the audience, demonstrating a deep understanding of their topic.

Conclusion:

Conducting literary research and using academic databases effectively is a systematic process that involves identifying a research question, conducting a literature review, using academic databases to find relevant sources, and analyzing both primary and secondary texts. By following these steps, you can produce well-supported, original research that contributes to the field of English Studies.

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