"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow; but woe to her who is alone when she falls and has not another to lift her up. . .and though a person might prevail against one who is alone, two will be able to withstand. A threefold cord is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Week One PW1 - Access library databases, use APA style formatting, establish a support network of researchers

Rationale - This week focuses on technical aspects associated with research. You are (re)entering a community of scholars. Knowing and functioning within accepted standards and protocals is critical for your success. Also, using acceptable formatting from the beginning of your writing is a lot easier than refomatting things later! Knowing the scholars working in your topic area will enrich your journey and keep you connected to the community. The most efficient way to know the scholars associated with your topic is through online data bases.

**Required Readings and Activities

A. Reading:

**Fitzpatrick, Chaps 6 and 8.

B. Web and Other Links:

**AU standards for written work - you are responsible for these standards
**Style and Format Helps - lots of helpful info here - most provided by the dissertation secretary - be sure to check the bottom link on the "Role of the Dissertation Secretary"
**APA style manual - you need to have access to APA standards
**AU library online databases
**World Wide Web search engines
AU dissertation templates - developed by other students
StyleEase software for formatting in Word using APA standards

C. Experiences/Activities:

**Access online library data bases and search using keywords and topics. Record your search processes and results.

**Think about what you are willing to contribute to someone else's dissertation work. If you are ready to extend your support network, talk to some potential colleagues and friends. Tell then what you are willing to give to the group and what you need from the group.

D. Discussion Starters/Reflective Journal Topics: (Choose one topic and start or continue a discussion thread.)

1) How important is some kind of human support to your dissertation process? Who will you go to when you are stuck?

2) Discuss your success in accessing online data bases. Did you discover any "trick" to share? Did you discover any resources that other colleagues could benefit from? Please share the links.