Description:

Using the RMIT library databases, you are to compile an annotated bibliography on the topic of your choice. You need to collect five sources, and these need to include a minimum of three research papers (i.e., they are articles based on a research study rather than essays / book chapters that are overviews of a topic). You are to provide details of how you undertook the search, answering the following questions:

• What databases/s and/or search engine/s did you you use? (i.e. ProQuest, Google Scholar)
• What were your keyword searches? (i.e. Youth, Gender, Substance use, drug use)
• What refinements did you have to make to your search? (i.e. ‘Gender’ brought up over 2 million search results. I needed to refine this by only allowing results where ‘gender’ and ‘substance use’ were in the same paper) 

Following this, you are to provide a summary of these sources. This summary needs to include the citation of the source, as well as approximately 150 words outlining the methods and key findings of the paper. You are not required to provide any analysis or opinion on these papers.

Criteria:

• Provides a clear and logical outline of search methods (5 marks)
• Has included five sources with a minimum of three research papers (6 marks)
• Summaries of each paper succinctly given and accurate overview of methods and findings (10 marks)
• Accurately uses a recognised referencing system (e.g. Harvard, APA) (4 marks)

Some clarifying points:

I hope you are doing well.  We had few students asking about how to write the assignment. While there is no set format, here is my proposal. You will not be penalised for not following the format below-it is an example only. You are marked only on the level/quality of response to all the criteria set in this assignment.

A- Ensure you write your full name, student number, course name and/or code.

B- Write approx 100 words on how you conducted your searchers, ensuring you respond to all 3 questions as outline in the assignment. Here there are again: 

• What databases/s and/or search engine/s did you you use? (i.e. ProQuest, Google Scholar)
• What were your keyword searches? (i.e. Youth, Gender, Substance use, drug use)
• What refinements did you have to make to your search? (i.e. ‘Gender’ brought up over 2 million search results. I needed to refine this by only allowing results where ‘gender’ and ‘substance use’ were in the same paper)

You  need to provide  examples for each question, so we don't expect you to write your answer here for all five searches. Rather, pick and choose examples that respond to these questions.

We understand there might be confusion regarding word count because the advice here for you to write approximately 100 words for this section will either leave you writing less for the second part or exceeding the total word count.  It is ok if you exceed the word count by 50 words (on top of your 10% up or down as with all assignment). Don't panic please. We won't mark you down for this.

C- Write approximately 150 words for each of the 5 sources. this word count includes the citation for each source. A neat way to do so will be something like this:

Source 1

Full citation

Approx 150 words  outlining the methods and key findings of the paper.

Source 2

Full citation

Approx 150 words  outlining the methods and key findings of the paper.

And so on until you have written about all 5 sources.

Finally, I recommend saving your word do as pdf and uploading it as pdf. this will ensure neat and correct layout of your paper (so it will appear as it appears to you when you write it in word).

Tips:

Youth Studies 2: Representations and Research (Semester 2, 2020)

Literature Search Tips

1. Identify which essay question you are going to do.
   1. Consider the key aspects of the question. What is the topic? What is it asking you to consider? What are you going to argue?
   2. Revise relevant lectures and reading. Note important concepts and key terms.
   3. Make a list of key terms to use in your literature search. Remember – these are a starting point and will be revised as you find more literature and your understanding evolves.
2. Go to RMIT library page. You can either use LibrarySearch (for a more general search) OR go to the RMIT Subject Guides (further down the page). Click on ‘All subject guides’ to expand the list, then Social Science and Languages and then go to Social Science, Community Services, Social Work and Youth Work - https://rmit.libguides.com/socialservices
3. Explore list of relevant databases. Each database is different but works on similar principles. Have a play around with key terms/phrases that you have identified and see what comes up. I usually search via words in abstract if that is available as an option. Sometimes a keyword or subject search is too focused and entire text is too broad.
   1. Be discerning when finding literature for your essays. Many of the databases will pull up articles written by researchers from other disciplines. Look at who the authors are, and where they are located/what disciple are they in?
   2. Note: If you have any issues navigating a particular database contact a librarian. They are generally only too happy to help.

4. Utilise the reference lists of articles/chapters/books that you have found to find further literature.
   1. Once useful articles/chapters/books have been identified, use Google Scholar to search for further texts that have cited the work you have identified and want to use. Also search for key authors. You can add RMIT University as your library in Settings, which then lets you know when full text is available at the library.
   2. If you have identified particular authors that are experts in your area, have a look at their academic profile for further relevant publications, or do an author search via RMIT Library search or Google Scholar (see also page 4 of this document).
   3. Do not use Google Books because you cannot see everything. Find the e-book version in the library (or hard copy post-COVID).
5. For information about referencing style, go to https://www.rmit.edu.au/library/study/referencing/easy-cite-referencing-tool 
6. If you would like assistance with writing or want some tips, go to
   1. https://emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/content/writing-skills
   2. RMIT Library offers a drop-in support service. You can access one-to-one sessions with expert Learning Advisors, Librarians and Student Learning Assistants who can help you with planning and writing essays, maths and science coursework, research, referencing and more.

Youth Oriented Journals (or journals where there may be topics of interest)

Journal of Youth Studies

Sociology of Health and Illness

Health and Place

Journal of Sociology

Education, Prevention and Policy

British Journal of Sociology of Education

Qualitative Health Research

Journal of Youth and Adolescence

Journal of Gender Studies

Men and Masculinities

British Journal of Educational Studies

Journal of Education and Work

Addiction Research & Theory

Contemporary Drug Problems

Journal of Homosexuality

Sexualities

Sexuality Research and Social Policy

Disability and Society

Youth Justice