Big 6 Research

The Big6 research model is a great way to organize your information from start to finish. There are six major steps in this process: task definition, information seeking strategies, location and access, use of information, synthesis, evaluation. Watch the video to learn more!

The Big 6

1. Task Definition

1.1 Define the information problem.

    • What kind of question are you trying to answer?
    • What kind of problem are you trying to solve?

1.2 Identify information needed

    • What information will help you solve your problem or answer your question?

2. Information Seeking Strategies

2.1 Determine all possible sources

    • Where can you find information?
      • Online
      • In books
      • Videos
      • Newspapers

2.2 Select the best sources

    • Which sources have information you need and can understand?

3. Location and Access

3.1 Locate sources

    • Search in a variety of places to find the information to solve your problem.
    • Ask your teacher and librarian to help you find sources.

3.2 Find information within sources

    • What features in the text can help you find and summarize information?
      • Headings
      • Italics
      • Bullet or number lists
      • Image captions

4. Use of Information

4.1 Engage

    • Read, watch, or listen to your information carefully.

4.2 Extract relevant information

    • What strategies can you use to keep track of important information from your sources?
      • Highlight text
      • Bullet Point notes
      • Digital or physical notes and notebooks

5. Synthesis

5.1 Organize from multiple sources

    • How does information from different sources fit together?
    • Does information from different sources agree or disagree with each other?

5.2 Present the information

    • How do you want to share your information with the world?

6. Evaluation

6.1 Judge the product

    • How do you know you've done a good job?
      • Did you meet teacher requirements?
      • Did you answer your question or solve your problem?

6.2 Judge the process

    • How did searching for information make you feel?
    • What would you change or keep the same if you searched for new information?