Reseach Reflection

My research question has a little twist since I started using databases. The reason is not farfetched. Most databases did not recognize my search keyword or topic probably because I did not choose the right keyword or because I did not put asterisks in front the some keyword. For example, how does state of MN support gay men?

Looking at the research question for example, I input Minnesota AND "gay men" which gave me multiple results. At first, it seems more challenging to compose my research question using databases. But after some class activities related to research questions, I feel more comfortable composing research question on my topic.

Academic Search Premier Vs. CINAHL Plus with Full Text

My chosen subject specific database is CINAHL Plus with Full Text. Both databases provided relevant information for my research topic. However, the Academic Search Premier produced more search strings on my topic.

To narrow down my results on Academic Search Premier Database, I used the "AND" under search and limit my search to recent publication dates. I also narrow down my results by limiting my search to scholarly articles and full text format. Again, I make sure I checked for typos in the choice of keyword(s) I input. Equally, I was able to do same for the CINAHL Plus database.

I found more than ten relevant articles on both databases. Majority of my search results was on full text format because I selected this option. I also had few of the FindIt via EBSCO Refs and via other databases.  There were few print articles in SCSU collection. I found almost five that were not available and requires ILL request on CINAHL Refs and other databases Refs.

Gay Stigmastism

I found this video interesting and I feel it worth sharing. Also, watch the video on the extreme right corner under "watch intro video". I think you can learn something from it. Cheers all!
http://www.hivstigma.com/

Magazine Article Vs. Scholarly Article.

Naughton, k., Shenfeld, H., Skipp, C., Taylor, K., Smalley, S. (2007). Talk to the Hand. Newsweek, 150(11), 31-32. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.libproxy.stcloudstate.edu

Simon Rosser, B. R., William, W., Richard, W. (2008). Are gay communities dying or Just in transition? Results from an international consultation examining possible structural change in gay communities. AIDS Care, 20(5), 588-596. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.libproxy.stcloudstate.edu

To start with, the first article was a popular magazine article from Newsweek, which elaborated on the scandal about former Republican Senator Larry Craig’s arrest on disorderly conduct charges in a Minneapolis bathroom. The tone and style of the article was more of a narrative opinion. It is intended for readers of Newsweek. It also contains short interviews of the major character involved. Unlike the scholarly article, it doesn’t have references, appendix and notes.

On the other hand, the scholarly article, which examine the possible structural change in gay communities, reason for the change, and implications for HIV prevention planning. The article was intended to scholars, academic researchers, students and the general public. The structure and content of the article was well organized. The tone and style was to educate readers about the risk involved among men who have sex with men(gay), as a result of an increase  community factors such as gay bars/clubs, depression, drug use to mention a few. The scholarly article contains quotations from other books and scholars, references and appendix.

Overall, both articles contain vital information that will help me in my research population.  

Getting Ready to Use Academic Search Premier

After a critical and careful review of the academic search premier features, I would like to mention here that this is a great tool. It will help me gather necessary information during the course of my research on gay population in Minnesota. The scholarly journals under publication feature are the one like most.

Although I am familiar with the academic search premier as a transferred student, this is my first time I will be using it for a research paper.  Other database I used was Consumer Health Complete, CINAHL Plus with Full text, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, World Encyclopedia, and Goggle Scholar. To be able to use most of the database above, you would have to log in with your school ID barcode and   password. For the most part, they are all user friendly.

Finally, I have no reservations or fear about the academic search premier database at this time.

Gay Men in Minnesota

After reading a bit more about this population, I am still not there yet to conclude a stand at this time. However, there are some on my previous assumptions, which I would like to change during the course of the research. For example, I use to think gay men are linked with HIV but now I think that may not true in all situation.
So far, I have a question I would like to ask about this population of mine. Recall that in the past the gay men hide their identity. What led to the shift from behavior of hidden identity to open identity?  Interestingly, I have learned about how homosexual begun dated back in 1869 when sexology was established by some generation of medical doctors. I also learned that the period between 1900 and 1930 was one of the significant intellectual activities in the areas of sexology and literature. Bur for political and economic crisis in U.S and Europe, nascent gay men was driven underground.

More are coming. Keep following.

Encyclopedia Vs Wikipedia

Reflecting on my experience about encyclopedia and Wikipedia, I would say both resources are great learning tools. However, there are merits and demerits to each types of resource. For example, one of the encyclopedia on my topic is "Gay History and Cultures: An Encyclopedia" written by scholars and experts in the field and edited by George E. Haggerty and co-edited by John Beyon and Douglas Eisner. The good thing about this encyclopedia is that it was compiled and supervised by group of reputed experts and Advisory Board from different reputable universities around the globe. Notable among them are Harvard University, University of Michigan, Toronto University, Yale University, New York Law School to mention a few.

Apart from this, there are numerous contributors from all works of life making the encyclopedia a good source of information serving wide audience, including students, scholars in all fields, and the public, who is interested in gay population the research. Again, the encylopedia above contain the name of the publisher, author's name and bibliography that make it more authentic.

On the other hand, some of the posting on Wikipedia lack credible source since the posting were posted by volunteers with some anonymous name, making it difficult to verify the authentication of posting. Nonetheless, my search topic on Wikipedia was very fruitful. For example, I looked at LGBT history on wiki; it gave me an insight of how my chosen population began, the perspective of people toward them, their movement and struggle and at the end a references, external links, and suggested further readings.

Overall, both sources have their ups and downs. However, the source of any information especially for academic and research purpose should be verified.