Research Guide
The Big Six Research Process:
Step 1: Task Identification
Step 2: Information Seeking Strategies
Step 3: Location and Access
Step 4: Use of Information
Step 5: Synthesis
Step 6: Evaluation
Step 1: Task Definition
Ask yourself:
What is the question I need to answer?
What is the problem I need to solve?
What information do I need in order to do my task?
Step 2: Information Seeking Strategies
What resources should I use to get information?
Books
Online Databases
Specialized Search Engines
Step 3: Location and Access
When gathering information, be sure to write these important details down.
Books:
Title
Author
Place of Publication
Copyright Date
Databases:
Title of Article
Author of Article
Title of Resource
Date
Pages Used
Websites:
Author's last name and first name
Title of document
Document date
URL
Date of visit
Step 4: Use of Information
How will I record the information that I find?
Draw a picture
Make a graph
Take notes (on notecards, paper, etc.)
Interview
Outlining
Persuasive Essay Map (from readwritethink)
Informational, Descriptive Essay Map (from readwritethink)
Compare & Contrast Essay Map (from readwritethink)
STEP 5: Synthesis
How will I put it all together to present it?
Create a product or way to communicate to others that learning has occurred!
Museum Slideshow Advertisement Story
Video Paper Model Website
Organize your information from multiple sources into one presentation
Realize you may need more or better information
May need to loop back to steps 2, 3, or 4
May need to go back to step 1 to clarify the task if you are struggling.
How will I give credit to my sources in my final product?
Final bibliography is put together
STEP 6: Evaluation
How will I know if I did well?
Review Rubric
Reflect on the quality of the product and the research process.
What did I learn?
Was the problem solved or questions answered?
Work is complete.
Work is neat.
Credit is given to sources.
Product is turned in.
Are you ready for your "research training wheels" to come off? J. Valenza