Bibliographic Research: Definition, Types, Techniques

The Bibliographic research or documentary consists in the revision of existing bibliographical material with respect to the subject to be studied. It is one of the main steps for any investigation and includes the selection of information sources.

It is considered an essential step because it includes a set of phases that encompass observation, inquiry, interpretation, reflection and analysis to obtain the necessary bases for the development of any study.

Definition

Different authors have been in charge of conceptualizing bibliographic research. Next, the definitions made by three prominent authors will be described:

- Guillermina Baena, graduated in Information Sciences (1985):"Documentary research is a technique that consists of the selection and collection of information through reading, critique of documents and bibliographic materials, libraries, newspaper archives and educational centers. documentation and information."

- Laura Cázares, researcher at the Autonomous Metropolitan University of Mexico (2000):"(....) Depends primarily on the information collected or consulted in documents that can be used as a source or reference at any time or place."

- Manual of the Universidad Pedagógica Experimental Libertador (UPEL -2005):"Integration, organization and evaluation of existing theoretical and empirical information on a problem".

characteristics

- There is a review of documents to know the state of the subject or object that is being investigated.

- Presents a process that consists in the collection, selection, analysis and presentation of the results.

- Involves complex cognitive processes, such as analysis, synthesis and deduction.

- It is done in an orderly manner and with precise objectives.

- Its purpose is the construction of knowledge.

- It supports the research that is being carried out, at the same time that it allows to avoid carrying out studies already explored.

Types of bibliographic research

In general terms, there are two types of bibliographic or documentary research:

Argumentative or exploratory type

The main objective of the researcher is to take a position on a certain topic to test whether that element to study is correct or incorrect. Consider causes, consequences and possible solutions that will lead to a conclusion more critical type.

Informative or of the expository type

Unlike the previous one, it does not seek to object to a topic but to recreate the theoretical context of the investigation. For this it uses reliable sources, and the selection and analysis of the material in question.

Criteria for the selection of material

It should be noted that it is vital for the researcher to rely on his capacity for analysis and synthesis of ideas to present a fluid and coherent work. During the bibliographic research process it is necessary to consider a series of criteria for the selection of documentary material:

Relevance

It refers to the fact that the sources must be consonant with the object of study, as well as their objectives, in order to base the investigation.

Exhaustive

All sources must be necessary, sufficient and possible, without excluding any that may also represent an important contribution. They must correspond to the objectives set.

Present

Recent research or studies to support the research will be taken into account.

Techniques

It is important to point out that before carrying out the review of documentary and bibliographic material, it is vital to be clear about the following:

- Determine the subject to be studied, which must be combined with the possibilities of the researcher, framed in a prudential time with future projection and with a connection to his area of ​​study.

- After this, make a work plan that will serve as a guide for the correct selection of bibliography.

The process of collecting data, information and documents is complex and requires a series of steps for the correct handling of information:

Accumulate references

The references include any type of written or audiovisual document that will be essential to support the investigation.

Select references

The material that respects the quality and current standards will be chosen.

Incorporate elements in the work plan

It deals with the organization of the chosen documents in alphabetical or chronological order.

File

It refers to the emptying of the basic information of the collected material, where the appointment to be used, the summary and the comment made by the researcher will be collected.

Write

Placement of specific data.

Confront and verify

The aim is to determine if, indeed, the hypothesis raised by the author is valid, based on the information collected.

Correct and make the final revisions

It refers to the latest arrangements made to the form and background of the investigation.

Types of documents

To simplify the search and make it easier, three types of documents are classified:

Primary

They transmit direct information. For example, original articles and doctoral theses.

Secondary

They make reference to the primary documents and extract the author and the type of publication. For example, catalogs and databases.

Tertiary

They synthesize the information found in the primary and secondary documents to answer questions and specific questions.

Likewise, another type of document classification can be included:

- Books and monographs: manuals, texts, minutes, anthologies.

- Periodicals: magazines, newspapers, advances.

- Reference publications: indexes, databases, bibliographies.

- Technical publications: standards, patents, technical catalogs.

- Reference material: encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlas.

Examples of bibliographical references

In bibliographic research it is necessary to respect the rules related to the citation of texts. To have a better reference in this regard, here are some examples:

-"Pinillos, José Luis (1975). Principles of Psychology. Madrid: Alliance."

-"Taylor, S. and Bogdan, R. (1992). Introduction to qualitative research methods. Barcelona: Paidós."

- When it is a chapter of a book:"Martí, Eduardo (1999). Metacognition and learning strategies. In: J Pozo and C. Monereo (Coords.). The strategic learning. (111-121). Madrid: Classroom XXI-Santillana".

- Scientific journal article:"García Jiménez, E. (1998). A practical theory about evaluation. Journal of Education, 287, 233-253."

- Article signed in a newspaper:"Debesa, Fabián (200, March 12). Careers and their entry strategies. Clarín, Education Section, p.12".

Importance

- Any field of study needs constant study and research.

- It is estimated that, thanks to documentary and bibliographic research, it is possible to achieve a good educational training at all levels.

- The progress of scientific studies needs documentation.

- To start any type of study it is necessary to review previous material to carry out the investigation.

References

1. What is the bibliographic review? (s.f.). In Philosophia, Scientia et Praxis. Retrieved: March 1, 2018. In Philosophia, Scientia et Praxis de filoncien.blogspot.pe.
2. About bibliographic and documentary research. (2013). In Thesis Guide. Retrieved: March 1, 2018. In Thesis Guide of guiadetesis.wordpress.com.
3. Córdoba González, Saray. (s.f.). The bibliographic research . In Ucrindex. Retrieved: 01 d March 2018. In Ucrindex of ucrindex.ucr.ac.cr.
4. Definitions Documentary Investigation. (s.f.). In Scribd. Retrieved: March 1, 2018. On Scribd from es.scribd.com.
5. Bibliographic research. (s.f.). In Monographs. Retrieved: March 1, 2018. Monographs of monographs.com.
6. Mora De Labastida, Natalia. (s.f.). The bibliographical investigation. Main and secondary ideas . In Fido. Retrieved: March 1, 2018. In Fido from fido.palermo.edu.
7. Types of research. (s.f.). In research thesis. Retrieved: March 1, 2018. In research thesis of tesisdeinvestig.blogspot.pe.