If you're new to college-level research, be prepared to experience differences in the way you do research and the types of assignments and projects you encounter.
| High School |
College |
- Google is the primary research tool
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- Subscription databases primary research tools
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- Encyclopedias, books, websites are the primary sources of information
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- Scholarly sources like articles are the primary sources of information
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- MLA citation style frequently used
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- Differing citation styles used across subject areas
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- Assignments include detailed directions & expectations
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- Assignment directions and expectations may not be as detailed
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- Assignments are shorter in length and can be completed in a shorter time
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- Assignments are lengthier and require more time to complete
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- Work supervised by teachers who repeatedly check progress and remind about due dates
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- Less supervision by professors and strict due dates
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- Less severe penalties for cheating and plagiarism
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- College wide policies with severe penalties for dishonesty including reduced grades, failing grades, suspension, and/or expulsion
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- Library collection organized using Dewey Decimal classification
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- Library collection organized using Library of Congress classification
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- Less focus on understanding the differences between primary and secondary source materials
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- Essential students understand the differences between and appropriate use of primary source and secondary source materials
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