Introduction to the Research Tools Mind Map

Ale Ebrahim, Nader (2013): Introduction to the Research Tools Mind Map. Published in: Research World , Vol. 10, No. 4 (14 June 2013): pp. 1-3.

Abstract

With the increasing use of information and communications technology (ICT), researchers are able to use computer software tools to find, organise, manipulate, analyse, and share relevant information. However, there are hundreds of such tools to select from, for various research-related uses. I have collected over 700 tools that can help researchers do their work efficiently. It is assembled as an interactive Web-based mind map, titled Research Tools, which is updated periodically. Created using the MindMeister software platform, Research Tools provides a convenient interface with zoom in/out, screen drag, and other user-friendly features.

Being a mind map, Research Tools consists of a hierarchical set of nodes. It has four main nodes: (1) Searching the literature, (2) Writing a paper, (3) Targeting suitable journals, and (4) Enhancing visibility and impact, and six auxiliary nodes. In the mind map, each parent node has several child nodes associated with it, which can be accessed by clicking on the plus (+) sign. Several free tools can be found in the child nodes. Some paid tools are also included.

The four main nodes are described below, listing some tools as examples. In the mind map, a green tick sign indicates my preference for some tools. Users can access the tools by clicking on the arrow sign that appears next to the tool title.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: e-skills, Digital research tools, Research Tools, Emerging tools
• Subjects: A - General Economics and Teaching > A1 - General Economics; A - General Economics and Teaching > A1 - General Economics > A10 - General; F - International Economics > F0 - General; M - Business Administration and Business Economics ; Marketing ; Accounting ; Personnel Economics > M0 - General; M - Business Administration and Business Economics ; Marketing ; Accounting ; Personnel Economics > M0 - General > M00 - General; Z - Other Special Topics > Z0 - General; Z - Other Special Topics > Z0 - General > Z00 - General

References

Aghaei Chadegani, A., Salehi, H., Yunus, M. M., Farhadi, H., Fooladi, M., Farhadi, M., & Ale Ebrahim, N. (2013). A comparison between two main academic literature collections: Web of Science and Scopus databases. Asian Social Science, 9(5), 18-26. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/ass.v9n5p18

Ale Ebrahim, N. (2010). Target ISI journals: How to write/publish ISI papers [Presentation material]. Retrieved from http://works.bepress.com/aleebrahim/1/

Ale Ebrahim, N. (2012). Publication marketing tools: Enhancing research visibility and improving citations [Presentation material]. Retrieved from http://works.bepress.com/aleebrahim/64/

Ale Ebrahim, N. (2013). The effective use of research tools and resources. [Presentation material]. Retrieved from http://works.bepress.com/aleebrahim/73/

Ale Ebrahim, N. (2013). Introduction to the Research Tools mind map. Research World, 10, Article A10.4. Retrieved from http://www1.ximb.ac.in/RW.nsf/pages/A10.4