The purpose of this guide is to support the research project for this course.
 

	Background
	Theoretical Framework
	What is scholarly research?
	Citing with APA style
	Transcription guidelines

For current events:

Theoretical Framework

Books

Library Catalog --for books (print and electronic), media (DVDs, VHS, CDs), and periodicals (journals, magazines, newspapers) in our library.

         Map to find materials in Kellogg Library.

The Circuit (UCSD, SDSU, USD, SDCL) --for books we don't have, delivered to our check out desk in 1-2 days.

Articles

Research databases search hundreds of journals, magazines, and newspapers-- both scholarly and non-scholarly articles.

Sociological Abstracts

Academic Search Premier

JSTOR

Blackwell

Sage Publications

CQ Researcher
 

NOTE: Depending on your topic, other databases might be more relevant.
You can choose a database by subject.


See an article you want in one of these databases?

1. Look for "Full Text" in PDF, HTML, Linked or  
2. If all else fails, fill out an Interlibrary Loan article request form. You'll get it within 5-10 days for FREE.
3. Or, any time you need help, ask a librarian!

Citing with APA style

	APA: Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. 5th ed. Washington, DC : American Psychological Association, 2001. APA style help APA formatted sample paper
KnightCite	A free online citation tool to help create your bibliography. Review the results for accuracy.

Transcription guidelines

(adapted from Dr. Jorge Riquelme)

The transcription is an accurate reflection ("word-for-word") of the interview, including questions and answers. Transcribing is a time-consuming process, approximately 6-12 hours for a one hour interview. You will use this transcription to analyze the different aspects of the migration process experienced by your interviewee.

Audio/video recording equipment can be borrowed from the Student Technology Help Desk (Kellogg 2nd floor).

FORMATTING GUIDELINES

1. Clearly identify yourself and the interviewee with initials.
   
   BH: When did you arrive in the United States?
   DLB: June 30, 1978.
   
    

2. Use parentheses ( -- ) to describe a person’s nonverbal gestures or actions.

   (laughter), (tears), (indicates size with his hands), etc.
   
    

3. Use brackets {-- } to indicate when a word or passage is inaudible. If you cannot decipher what is being said, type “inaudible” in brackets. You can also type what you think you heard, followed with a question mark {--?}.

   She was about to {inaudible} when she decided not to tell {inaudible}. 
                                        
   She was about to {take the boat?} when she decided not to tell her {mom?}
   
    

4. Delete inconsequential false starts from the transcript. These only distract readers, and make the transcripts difficult and frustrating to read. Be careful though—what seems meaningless can be important. If repetition is for emphasis, the repetition is always retained. As a general rule, when in doubt, leave it in.

   Verbatim: Well, I started out…uh, I think I started out, uh, at a school in Seattle.
   Edited: I think I started out at a school in Seattle.
   
    

5. Crutch words (characteristically used by the speaker to allow time for him or her to think) include, “uh,” “um,” “and then,” “you know,” “you see,” etc. These can be distracting readers and can be deleted.
   
    

6. If the interview was conducted mostly in English, but contains words in some other language, use italics to designate those words not English.
   
   I was not feeling well so I went to the house of my abuelita because she prepares the best caldito de pollo.
   
    

7. Cite your transcript in the bibliography of your final paper, with the interviewee as author.
   
   Brown, C. (2007). Oral History of Charlie Brown. [Transcript of tape-recorded interview conducted by John Student]. San Marcos: California State University San Marcos.