Navigate with a Map on SRM

This post is part of a how-to series about how to use the subscription-based SAGE Research Methods online library. If you would like to access the SAGE e-books, articles, case studies, videos, and datasets mentioned in these posts, explore SAGE Research Methods with a free trial.

SAGE Research Methods offers a visual search tool that allows for an iterative style of exploration. Find the Methods Map under the Tools dropdown.

When we are searching for resources about research, sometimes we know precisely what we are hoping to find. We have chosen the research approach we want to use and are looking for more about it, or we are looking for additional sources from a known author. We don't want to waste time (or get distracted); we want to quickly get to the source.

Other times we are less certain, and and want to be able to compare and contrast potential research directions. When we are in that inquisitive state, we can delve into our search with Methods Maps.

When you click the Methods Map button, you open a map of the broadest term: Research Methods. From here, you can choose what direction to take to narrow your search. You can click Narrower Terms, or you can click a specific term. Here I clicked on Data Collection, then Qualitative Data Collection. Each term on the map leads you to a set of resources.

Create a Custom Map

If you want to map a specific area, instead of the big-picture Research Methods starting point, simply enter the term into the search box on the map page. You can also click the “Search all content” option to generate a list of resources.

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More Methodspace posts about using SAGE Research Methods