The Research Process
There are definite steps to make research easier to do. Follow these steps to help you.
DEFINE
Formulate questions using basic who, what, when, where, how and why.
After you have a basic understanding you can write deeper questions:
cause and effect
advantages/disadvantages
predictions
current trends
Identify and Develop Keywords
An encyclopedia index is great for giving you more words you can use in your searching.
Using the subject heading in SIRS can give you more ideas.
Identify search strategies
Redefine Problem (if necessary)
LOCATING
Follow a search plan.
Use appropriate resource
Encyclopedia - gives basic information on your topic without bias.
Book - builds on knowledge and gives the author's perspective.
Magazines - Current information in print or SIRS database
Websites - After you have basic knowledge to get more ideas.
SELECTING/ANALYZING
Notetaking - remember:
* use your own words
* write keywords or phrases
* use bullet points
* use drawings, symbols or abbreviations (&, #, w/, +, =)
Analyzing
Compares different sources for opposing viewpoints, biases, accuracy and currency
Cites sources using bibliography information. Click here to find examples for how to cite different kinds of sources.
Understands use of quotations.
Makes inferences - looks at the information to read between the lines.
ORGANIZING/SYNTHESIZING
Uses information from various viewpoints.
Interprets, compares and selects information after examining it for logic, bias, prejudice, consistency and contradictions.
Recognizes when more information is needed.
Organizes information using a variety of strategies, flow charts, timelines, spreadsheets, graphs and databases.
PRESENTING
Selects appropriate method of presentation according to purpose and audience.
Presents information which synthesizes the information and offers a solution to the problem.
Has sufficient background knowledge to explain, discuss and debate issues and solutions.
Looks at new ideas and perspectives to create new solutions.
DEFINE
Formulate questions using basic who, what, when, where, how and why.
After you have a basic understanding you can write deeper questions:
cause and effect
advantages/disadvantages
predictions
current trends
Identify and Develop Keywords
An encyclopedia index is great for giving you more words you can use in your searching.
Using the subject heading in SIRS can give you more ideas.
Identify search strategies
Redefine Problem (if necessary)
LOCATING
Follow a search plan.
Use appropriate resource
Encyclopedia - gives basic information on your topic without bias.
Book - builds on knowledge and gives the author's perspective.
Magazines - Current information in print or SIRS database
Websites - After you have basic knowledge to get more ideas.
SELECTING/ANALYZING
Notetaking - remember:
* use your own words
* write keywords or phrases
* use bullet points
* use drawings, symbols or abbreviations (&, #, w/, +, =)
Analyzing
Compares different sources for opposing viewpoints, biases, accuracy and currency
Cites sources using bibliography information. Click here to find examples for how to cite different kinds of sources.
Understands use of quotations.
Makes inferences - looks at the information to read between the lines.
ORGANIZING/SYNTHESIZING
Uses information from various viewpoints.
Interprets, compares and selects information after examining it for logic, bias, prejudice, consistency and contradictions.
Recognizes when more information is needed.
Organizes information using a variety of strategies, flow charts, timelines, spreadsheets, graphs and databases.
PRESENTING
Selects appropriate method of presentation according to purpose and audience.
Presents information which synthesizes the information and offers a solution to the problem.
Has sufficient background knowledge to explain, discuss and debate issues and solutions.
Looks at new ideas and perspectives to create new solutions.