Research Framework - The Big 6

The Big6™ Skills

The Big6 is a process model of how people of all ages solve an information problem. From practice and study, we found that successful information problem-solving encompasses six stages with two sub-stages under each:

1. Task Definition

    1.1 Define the information problem

    1.2 Identify information needed

2. Information Seeking Strategies

    2.1 Determine all possible sources

    2.2 Select the best sources

3. Location and Access

    3.1 Locate sources (intellectually and physically)

    3.2 Find information within sources

4. Use of Information

    4.1 Engage (e.g., read, hear, view, touch)

    4.2 Extract relevant information

5. Synthesis

    5.1 Organize from multiple sources

    5.2 Present the information

6. Evaluation

    6.1 Judge the product (effectiveness)

    6.2 Judge the process (efficiency)

For research projects, using the Big6 can help students' awareness of the research process develop of skills in each of the six areas. Below are some links to materials that may help reinforce the Big6 framework. 

Website: The Big6 Homepage

SlideShow: Introducing the Big6

Printable Download: Big6 Handout