Guides: Global Development: Capstone Research

In-Class Activities

Workshop Slides
Follow along with the GHD Capstone Research Workshop Slides and utilize the many linked resources as we go.
Workshop Worksheet
If you prefer an electronic version of the worksheet we'll be completing during the 11/13/24 workshop.

Literature Review Matrix Template
From VCU Health Sciences Library
Sample Scoping Review Checklist
From Binghamton University Library

Reference Resources

Annual Reviews This link opens in a new window
Comprehensive and timely critical reviews of the most significant primary research literature. Written by leading scientists, Annual Reviews publications are among the most highly cited publications in the scientific literature. Note: Georgetown only subscribes to certain titles in this collection.
SAGE Research Methods This link opens in a new window
SAGE Research Methods (SRM) has tools for every step of the research process in the social sciences, from writing a research question, choosing a method, gathering and analyzing data, and writing up the findings. SRM includes reference entries for hundreds of research methods, over 1,000 books providing in-depth treatments on using various methods, and cases, datasets, and short video demonstrating and applying methods in scholarship.
Sage Research Methods includes:
Sage Research Methods: Foundations - brief but expert introductions to hundreds of research methods.
Sage Research Methods: Cases - 2,000 case studies of real research projects*
Sage Research Methods: Datasets - 500 datasets offering hands-on practice of methods and techniques*
*not all cases and datasets are included in Georgetown's subscription.

Dr. Raul Pacheco's Advice on Literature Reviews
A valuable blog on the methods and process of conducting literature reviews by a professor of political science.

Types of Sources

Why does it matter?

In your research projects or papers, you need to show how your ideas relate to those of others.
In many cases, you'll want to use articles from scholarly books or journals to support your arguments because these are written by experts in their field, they provide references you can consult, and have been carefully edited and verified.
Other times, depending on your topic, you'll need to use articles from popular magazines or news, professional or trade publications, government agencies, think tanks or non-governmental organizations. Be sure to check with your professor that the sources you're using are acceptable for the assignment's requirements.
Whatever sources you use, evaluate them carefully.

A Quick Comparison

	Scholarly Journals	Magazines	Think Tank Reports
Example
Authors	Written by experts or specialists in an academic discipline, often PhDs Unpaid	Written by individuals working in a field, sales representatives, or by staff writers with particular expertise Paid (often by piece)	Written by experts or specialists in an academic discipline, OR professionals working in the field; sometimes PhDs Paid (often staff/salaried)
Purpose	Explore theories, introduce new ideas, present research findings, and add to the body of research in a particular discipline	Discuss practical issues, cover news in the field, present brief reports on research, and/or offer opinions about trends, events, and current topics	Advance policies to confront social and political problems through presenting research findings on topics of current news interest; often intended to persuade for particular policy option
Audience	Academics and professionals	Individuals in the field or industry; knowledgeable general readers	Knowledgeable General readers; political and social leaders
Editorial Review	Articles often go through a peer review process: independent experts evaluate the article before it's published Unpaid	Articles are reviewed by an editor, but not by a panel of experts Paid	Articles are reviewed internally through processes that differ depending on the organization and their policies Paid or unpaid
References / Works Cited	Articles have extensive footnotes and/or bibliographies	Articles may or may not mention sources in the text	Reports typically link to or cite sources; may cite own institutional publications
Ads / Illustrations	Minimal advertising, graphics, or illustrations unless relevant to the article (for example, visual display of data)	May include profession- or trade specific advertisements; visual material may be to convey information or for aesthetic purposes	Typically minimal advertising, graphics, or illustrations unless relevant to the article (note: data may be formatted and displayed with a particular agenda)
Time to Publication	3 to 6+ months	Within weeks / months	Within weeks / months
Additional Examples	Journal of Politics, World Politics, Presidential Studies Quarterly	The Economist, National Review, The Nation, Harpers, Politico	Print and online publications from RAND, Brookings, other think tank and NGOs. IMPORTANT: these publications can differ in length and quality from blog posts to full books