I talk to you a lot about words; about getting the keywords right, about putting "speech marks around anything that moves", about sppelling thigs prooperly, about using keywords imaginatively and being succinct.
One issue that's come up a lot recently is the changing nature of words. Because you're all searching platforms (quick search box, database or web) of one kind or another this is an issue for all students.
Every time you search for information on a topic where the terminology changes quickly, such as race, sexuality, mental and physical illness or equality, then be aware that you might need to use search terms that are not currently acceptable. You really don't have to go far back in time before coloured replaces black or non-white, homosexual is more prominent than gay and so on.
Of course ultimately it's your choice on what keywords you choose for any search, but don't assume that just because the terminology isn't the most recent that the research is no good.
There. And I managed to get though this whole post without mentioning political correctness. Oh blast.
Showing posts with label keywords. Show all posts
Showing posts with label keywords. Show all posts
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
Monday, 9 May 2011
"It's political correctness gone mad"
One of my favourite philosophers is Michel Foucault. Some of you may already have come across him on your academic travels. Interesting man, although I appreciate he isn't everyone's idea of a good time.
Anyhoo. Foucault often wrote about the way discourse is used to support a particular scientific approach or political system. I mention this because every now and then we hear about a new kerfuffle which usually begins with the Daily Mail reporting on some specious piece of inconsequential fluff like this. Personally, I'm with Foucault on this one, but the day I start seeing eye to eye with The Daily Mail will be the day I pack it in.
I mention all this because when conducting searches to find journal articles you really need to think about the changing nature of language. I believe the words do shape the reality around a topic and those words can change fast. For example, when researching in the areas of ethnicity or mental health be aware that if you wish to be comprehensive (even if it only means going back 5 years or so) then you may need to choose terminology that would be deemed problematic in 2011.
And if you'd like a great introductory book which delves into language, reality and meaning then try the Vivien Burr book. You can link from here straight to the e-book.
Anyhoo. Foucault often wrote about the way discourse is used to support a particular scientific approach or political system. I mention this because every now and then we hear about a new kerfuffle which usually begins with the Daily Mail reporting on some specious piece of inconsequential fluff like this. Personally, I'm with Foucault on this one, but the day I start seeing eye to eye with The Daily Mail will be the day I pack it in.
I mention all this because when conducting searches to find journal articles you really need to think about the changing nature of language. I believe the words do shape the reality around a topic and those words can change fast. For example, when researching in the areas of ethnicity or mental health be aware that if you wish to be comprehensive (even if it only means going back 5 years or so) then you may need to choose terminology that would be deemed problematic in 2011.
And if you'd like a great introductory book which delves into language, reality and meaning then try the Vivien Burr book. You can link from here straight to the e-book.
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