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Define the Task
Before you start your research, it is important to understand the requirements of the task that has been set for you. Begin by defining the task, highlighting key words and rewriting the task in your own words. Check with the teacher that you have understood the task correctly.
Researching Online
The SIFT Method (2023)
When searching for information online, use SIFT
When searching for information online, use SIFT
Developed by Michael Caulfied (Washington State University, Vancouver), this strategy can help you to quickly search for reliable and relevant information online.
When you access a new website, refer to the SIFT steps below to help you decide whether or not it will be useful to you.
STOP
Ask yourself: 'Do I know and trust this website/source of information?'
If you don't, use the following steps to get a sense of how trustworthy this source is.
INVESTIGATE THE SOURCE
Know what you’re reading before you read it
Who is the composer?
Are they trustworthy?
Do they have authority on the topic?
Is it worth your time to keep reading?
FIND BETTER COVERAGE
Is it true/ false?
What is the consensus on the topic?
Open up a new tab and search the topic. What comes up? What sort of coverage is there on the topic?
TRACE CLAIMS, QUOTES AND MEDIA TO THE ORIGINAL CONTEXT
Who is the original source?
What is context of this source?
Organising Your Research
It is helpful to organise the information you plan to use while you are researching online. By organising your research notes, you can easily keep track of your sources and quickly generate a bibliography. If you’re not sure how you can best organise your research notes, use the provided template below.
Reference Books
Reference books are a great place to begin your research on a general topic. We recommend Britannica Online and World Book Online, both are accessible through Backpack.edu.au and via the links below. We also have physical copies of dictionaries, thesauruses, encyclopaedias and non-fiction books on a range of topics.
Free and accessible through your Digital Backpack.
Access to journals and primary sources.
'Cite' button which automatically creates a citation.
In built dictionary.
'Read aloud' tool.
Live news feeds from ABC, BBC and The New York Times.
Option to favourite articles, share and organise your chosen content.
Free and accessible through your Digital Backpack.
Reliable digital content.
Easy-to-read articles that have been fact checked.
Includes citation builders.
Option to create a 'My Research' account so you can save projects and content while you are researching.
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