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Welcome to the Doctor of Ministry (DMIN) Research Project Guide!
To navigate to the different sections use the tabs above.
You can bookmark this page for quick access.
Getting Started |
The Research Paper Process: Step-by-Step Forming a Research Question An Open-Ended Thoughtful Question Drives Good Research Examples of Keyword and Subject Searches Save Yourself Time. Schedule a Research Appointment with an OCLS Librarian Resources (Researching, Writing, and Defending Your Research Project)
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Reference |
Why Use Reference Books? Reference Databases
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Religion Data & Statistics |
Governmental Data Research-Based Organizations and Think-Tanks
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Theses |
Why Search for Ministry Projects and Dissertations? Ministry Project and Dissertation Databases
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APA Style |
Link to the OCLS APA Style Guide Link to the OCLS Academic Writer Guide
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Chicago Style |
Link to the OCLS Chicago Style Guide
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Research Help |
How to contact OCLS for research help.
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Advisors |
DMIN Advisor Resources Books and Journal Articles |
The Research Paper Process: Step by Step
An Open-Ended Thoughtful Question Drives Good Research
Examples of Keyword and Subject Searches
Save Yourself Time. Schedule a Research Appointment with an OCLS Librarian!
Resources (Researching, Writing, and Defending Your Research Project)
Research Paper Process: Step by Step
1. Develop your Research Question.
Think about:
Resource
2. Decide what type of information you will use in your research.
Think about:
Resource
3. Determine the kind of information you will need.
Think about:
Resources
4. Start the process of writing your paper.
Think about:
Resources
5. Avoid Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism by citing and referencing the sources you use.
Academic papers need to be aligned with your required writing and citation style, APA Style, or Chicago Manual of Style.
The APA Style tab of this guide will take you to the APA Style Guide that includes helpful information, example citations and references, and step-by-step directions for working with APA Style format and a paper template.
If your courses use APA check out Academic Writer! Academic Writer is the official APA writing platform. You can concentrate on writing the content of your paper and Academic Writer automatically formats your papers in APA Style format.
The Chicago Style tab of this guide will take you to the Chicago Manual of Style Guide includes helpful information, example citations and references, and step-by-step directions for working with Chicago Style format.
Resources
An Open-Ended Thoughtful Question Drives Good Research
Topic |
Question |
The Influence of Drugs on Crime |
Could the legalization of less harmful drugs like marijuana reduce crime in the U.S.? |
Abortion |
Are laws requiring waiting, counseling or sonograms effective in reducing abortions? |
Sports Injuries |
Why do heat exhaustion deaths occur and how can they best be avoided? |
Working Women |
In what fields have women achieved the greatest equality and through what means? |
Examples of Keyword and Subject Searches
Click Here for examples of keyword and subject searches for the following research questions:
Save Yourself Time. Schedule a Research Appointment with an OCLS Librarian!
Make a Research Appointment with an OCLS Librarian.
Options include In-Person (Face to Face), phone appointments, and Zoom calls.
For more information, call Off Campus Library Services at 1-800-521-1848
Start your research by scanning a reference book to generate ideas about how to narrow or search for your topic.
You'll find keywords and related topics for your search strategy. You might even create an initial outline.
Reference articles usually offer additional resources in a bibliography you can use to track down more info.
Use the links below to access these reference databases.
Please note that databases outside of OCLS may require you to create an account to view information.
Please note that databases outside of OCLS may require you to create an account to view information.
Why Search for Ministry Projects and Dissertations?
Ministry Project and Dissertation Databases
Searching ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global
Locating TREN Documents in the Jackson Library Catalog
Why Search for Ministry Projects and Dissertations?
Recently published dissertations and theses offer the most current research.
If you find a dissertation with a similar topic, you can use the bibliography to inspire your own research.
Reading dissertations gives you a good idea of what a dissertation should look like.
Ministry Project and Dissertation Databases
Use the links below to access databases where you can find dissertations and theses. If a PDF is not available, it may be possible to get all or part of it through Interlibrary Loan (ILL).
Please note that databases outside of OCLS may require you to create an account to view information.
Academic Writer
Academic Writer is the official APA writing platform. You can concentrate on writing the content of your paper and Academic Writer automatically formats your papers in APA Style format.
Visit the Academic Writer Guide for on-demand tutorials to help you sign up and get started!
Do you need help with a specific research topic? Contact Online Campus Library Services and request a Personalized Search Plan!
Personalized Search Plans (PSPs) tell you where to go, what to do, and how to do it. Your PSP will suggest the best online database(s) and search term(s) to use. Depending on what kinds of information you need, your PSP might help you to find appropriate print books, e-books, or journal articles.
Each PSP includes step-by-step directions to find trusted sources for your assignments and customized to your needs.
To request your Personalized Search Plan, fill out the Online Request Form and let us know your topic and what kinds of information you need – books, e-books, journal articles, websites, or peer-reviewed or research-based information.
Allow a minimum of two (2) business days, not including weekends.
OCLS is closed on Saturday, Sunday, and all university holidays and holiday weekends, so we encourage you to ask for your Personalized Search Plan early in your workshop weeks whenever possible.