Category: Resources for Graduate Students (Page 2 of 2)

Using a Research Log

November 2, 2022 / Corinne A. Nulton / 0 Comments

A research log is a tool to help you organize, analyze, and evaluate sources as you begin to gather information about a topic. It typically consists of a table with labels across the top that serve as a set of instructions when approaching a new source. Filling out each column helps you gather the information you need for your project. For example, you’ll need to include the full-citation in your research log, which will allow to to copy and paste the full citation into your completed draft later. You also need to include what makes the source credible, so you’ll remember to check if it’s peer-reviewed or scholarly. That information will become important later as you determine which of your sources should be included in your draft based off their relevance and credibility. Perhaps you’ll have some sources in the log that support your argument, but they come from low quality sources. Comparing the credibility will help you make those choices. Most importantly, a research log lets you place all of your evidence in one spot so can easily compare data from each source. The table will ensure that you don’t confuse your sources or accidentally plagiarize by crediting a fact to a different source. Finally, there’s a space for you to analyze the evidence in the log and link it to your main argument.

There’s two major reasons for using a research log :

1.) It will keep you organized. Rather than jotting notes in a notebook, filling in the required information for each column in a research log will ensure you’ve collected the needed information before moving on to the next source. You won’t have to keep returning to previous sources or struggle to remember how you found a source because your search terms and databases are in the log. You’ll also never lose a source or forget where a quote came from.

2) It will help you compare your evidence. Having the evidence from all of the sources in one place lets you look at the data side-by-side to evaluate which items would be best to include in your paper. Looking at all of the evidence in a research log can also help you refine your thesis before you begin drafting.

If you have to write a paper that requires research, this tool can save you a significant amount of time, and it could eliminate stress later on in your writing process.

Here’s a template for a Research Log

A Literature Review Matrix

November 2, 2022 / Corinne A. Nulton / 0 Comments

A matrix is a tool that allows you to quickly compare and contrast multiple sources by placing their aims, methods, and findings in one chart. These tables allow you to see similarities or distinctions in methodologies, limitations, and findings in studies with related aims so you can look at a field more globally to identify a niche to explore, or a new direction to pursue, or a potential knowledge gap. By comparing multiple sources through this method you can quickly identify commonalities and key differences that will allow you to propose a unique thesis or a potential research design for future inquiry. While you do not have to use a matrix to write a literature review, it is a great resource in seeing relationships between studies, and it becomes more essential as you examine more and more sources.

Here is an example of a matrix with common elements; however, the categories of a matrix are usually dependent on the specific discipline, so feel free to adjust this document in a way that best serves your research.

Literature Review Matrix

A Quick Tool for Building Your Vocabulary and Eliminating Redundancy

November 2, 2022 / Corinne A. Nulton / 0 Comments

We all have our favorite phrases and “go-to” words. I often find myself repeating these words multiple times in a single paragraph:

Thought Reversals: “however,” “although,”

Thought Extensions: “also”, “and it states”

Interpreting Statements: “so”, “this means that”

On my first draft, the repetition doesn’t matter, but when I start revising, I have to rethink each of those sentences so that I’m not redundant—I want to show that I can articulate my thoughts in a variety of ways to keep my reader engaged.

I’ve found that most college freshmen struggle with building their vocabulary and minimizing the usage of their “go-to” words and phrases. Your vocabulary will grow naturally as you read and become familiar with expressions in your discipline.

However, if the paper is due tomorrow, you may not have that sort of time. You need some tools to expedite that process.

One my favorite tools to eliminate redundancy is https://www.wordhippo.com/.

Here’s why . . .

You can pull up synonyms, antonyms, definitions, examples of usage, and the most common forms of usage by searching for a single keyword.
The synonym search works well: it’s broken down by the possible definitions of the original word, and it generates several synonyms on each search.
You can search for both words and phrases, though it works better with just words.
Everything is hyperlinked! If you find a new word that’s a synonym, you can click on it to check the definition so that you’re using the new word correctly in your context.
If you want to use a word that’s unfamiliar to you, you can click to have the word pronounced correctly for you.
There’s a “See Also” section that further explains how to use the word in grammatically correct formations.
Are you taking a poetry writing class? Or maybe you want to embellish a paper with some poetics? This site will generate rhymes for your words and phrases, too.

However, this website is ultimately just a machine pulling up prewritten data—keep that in mind. That means it doesn’t give you the connotations for the specific keyword (so if you are replacing a negatively charged word like “stuffy,” you may accidently insert a positively charged word like “cozy”. ) It also doesn’t say if the synonym has any slight differences from the original word on the landing page, and that could lead to using words that don’t express exactly what you mean. Last, it doesn’t work well with field-specific vocabulary.

Still, I’d recommend this resource for eliminating word-choice redundancy, and you’ll find that as you search for more and more words, you’ll acquire more and more words.

Imposter Syndrome

October 31, 2022 / Corinne A. Nulton / 0 Comments

Imposter syndrome is that feeling of “I don’t belong here” specifically because “I don’t know enough.” It’s a common type of anxiety experienced by graduate students as novice experts in their field. It can prevent students from making the most of their educational experience because they are afraid to try new things or attempt challenges for fear of judgement. They feel like a fraud, and worry that someone will realize they’re a fraud, even though that’s not true. If you are accepted into a graduate program, you deserve to be there. You have earned your place there, even if you sometimes feel out of place there.

It’s important to remember that this feeling is common when you are surrounded by academics who are experts in the field and who have had years to hone their skill-sets. It’s unfair to compare yourself to them or to others in your program. Sometimes the feeling is so intense that it becomes a barrier that cripples a student’s academic performance. Check out the resources below to learn how to manage and overcome “Imposter Syndrome.”

Here’s an article that describes the common symptoms of Imposter Syndrome and how to combat them.

This is an infographic with some suggestions on how to manage feelings of Imposter Syndrome.

Resume Templates

October 26, 2022 / Corinne A. Nulton / 0 Comments

Selecting a resume template can be difficult. Always consider these things when choosing a a template:

The template should be easy to manipulate. Your resume should grow with you, and you should never be confined by your template.
The template should maximize how much text can be displayed while still being aesthetically pleasing.
The template should have white space strategically so that it draws your reader to your most relevant experience.
The template should have a logical system that organizes your experience and the tasks you’ve completed. It should never violate the organizational pattern it establishes. The fonts, colors, and placements should be consistent.
The template should be memorable, but the design should not be the focal point. Your relevant experience should be the focal point, and successful templates underscore your accomplishments but do not overshadow them.
The template should guide you through the resume writing process by providing examples and categories.
Ideally, the template should come with a matching cover letter or it should be easily to create a cover letter that matches.

MS Word provides dozens of resume templates with matching cover letters. Sites like Canva, do, too, but they sometimes cost money. Some are also available through Google Docs that users created, and they can be copied and modified. Check out the resources below to explore potential templates.

Here is a great template for an academic resume

How to Browse Resume Templates in MS Word

Free Resume Templates in Google Docs

A Template for Writing a Cover Letter

October 21, 2022 / Corinne A. Nulton / 0 Comments

Your name

Your address

Your phone number

Portfolio/website

The date

The hiring manager’s name

The company name

The company’s address

Dear_______________,

Paragraph 1:

Sentence 1: What job are you seeking and where did you see it posted/who referred you? Be sure to mention the specific position and the company’s name.
Sentence 2: Briefly mention your current employer/position or your university and major.

Sentence 3: What unique experience/quality qualifies you for this position? Be memorable.
Sentence 4: (optional) Reiterate your desire to be considered for this position.

Paragraph 2:

Sentence 1: What has been the focus of your educational/professional career?
Sentences 2-10: Summarize your professional career so far (relevant coursework, research projects, internships, campus leadership opportunities, employment history, etc.) What have you learned? What skills do you have? What programs are you familiar with? Who have you worked for/studied under? Remember some of this is already in your resume, so spend time on the items that may not be listed there.
What skills/qualities are they asking for in the ad that are not outlined in your resume? This is a good opportunity to address those. Use specific examples. Use the same verbiage as the ad.
(Optional): Are there any extra curriculars that show your leadership/communication/conflict management skills? Are there any service projects that show your values? Are there any gaps or clarifications you need to explain in your resume? If so, include that here.
(Optional): What was one major challenge you faced and how did you overcome it? Or what is one professional accomplishment you are particularly proud of?

Paragraph 3:

Sentence 1-3: Why do you want this specific job at this specific company? Show that you know the company’s mission, goals, and values. Show that they align with your own personal philosophy and professional goals.

Sentence 3-4: What unique experience/perspective/qualities can you offer compared to other applicants? How will you be an asset to their team?

Paragraph 4

Sentences 1-4: Let them know that you’re eager to further discuss your qualifications. Perhaps highlight any part of your resume you’d like them to pay close attention to. Close by thanking them for their consideration.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Your degree/License

Looking for a visual template? Check out this template in Canva. Just be sure to make a copy to your account by logging in, clicking file and then “make a copy”

A visual template for a cover letter

The Proof is in the Writing

October 14, 2022 / Corinne A. Nulton / 0 Comments

By Danielle DePasquale

After finally finishing a written assignment, one may be quick to submit their work immediately. Not having to look at that assignment ever again brings about a sense of great relief. However, receiving that assignment back covered in commentary about minute spelling and grammar errors dampens that sense of accomplishment. Even though writing the final sentence of a concluding paragraph may seem to signify the end of the writing process, proofreading your work is just as essential. Reviewing your work ensures that you’re submitting an assignment that is logically sound and addresses the task at hand. Hence, I highly recommend reading written assignments aloud, which allows you to actually hear what your writing sounds like. We are all human and mistakes happen when typing up assignments. This way, you can make any edits or adjustments needed to express your ideas clearly and concisely. If you find reading your own writing aloud tedious or don’t want to disturb your roommates, you can plug in some headphones and access the “Immersive Reader” function available in Microsoft Word; this tool has the computer read your paper back to you. It’s a great tool to check for typos, grammar errors, redundancy, and verbose phrasing. This is how you access it.

Check out this video demo here: Immersive Reader Video Demo.mp4

And proofreading your paper doesn’t have to happen right away. In fact, stepping away from your writing and revisiting with a clear head will enhance your ability to conduct a comprehensive and meaningful review of your work. In the future, I implore you to try either strategy before you submit your next assignment.

A Quick Resource for Writing in Specific Contexts

October 7, 2022 / Corinne A. Nulton / 0 Comments

A Resource for Writing in Specific Contexts

The way that we write—the tone, the style, the formatting, and the organization—depends on the context. It’s likely that the five-paragraph-essay from high school will simply not work in most situations that require writing, especially when you need to write strictly-structured pieces, like an abstract, a cover letter, or lab report. There are so many types of assignments that you’ll need to create during your college career, like annotated bibliographies, literature reviews, and poetry explications. Your instructors will rarely include sample papers or detailed formatting guides, so it can be overwhelming. On top of that, each discipline has their own conventions, style, and citation format. The use of personal pronouns might be recommended in for your philosophy essay, but those same pronouns will probably cost you points in an essay for your upper level nursing course.

Knowing how to respond to different writing situations comes with experience and exposure to each field. However, this resource is a great guide to get you started in understanding special formats and discipline specific standards: https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/

Benefits of this resource: It walks you through specific writing assignments, step by step.

Drawbacks of this resource: You’ll notice it has other topics about writing, citations, and sentence-level concerns. While all this information is useful, I’m not sure it’s the best resource for citations or for revising sentences.

However, I would say it’s one of the most user-friendly resources with quick guides in discipline-specific writing and examples of specific writing formats.

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