Research Guide
Research Process
Research Process
Here you will find handouts and video tutorials on every step of the research process. Following these steps will help you to focus and stay organized while doing your research.
Here you will find handouts and video tutorials on every step of the research process. Following these steps will help you to focus and stay organized while doing your research.
Research will be easier and more effective when approached as a process. Often, the stages in the process can be repeated, and the whole process can also become a cycle. This process is called the Big6 Research Process.
Research will be easier and more effective when approached as a process. Often, the stages in the process can be repeated, and the whole process can also become a cycle. This process is called the Big6 Research Process.
For additional help, please contact Mrs. Lee: dlee@rsu1.org
For additional help, please contact Mrs. Lee: dlee@rsu1.org
Big6 Research Process
Big6 Research Process
Define: Task Definition (Step 1)
Define: Task Definition (Step 1)
1) Define the Topic: What do I want to learn? What do I already know?
1) Define the Topic: What do I want to learn? What do I already know?
- "Picking a Topic IS Research" (Video)
- "How to Develop a "Good" Research Topic" (Video)
- Choosing a Topic (Handout)
2) Do Background Research: How can I get to know my topic?
2) Do Background Research: How can I get to know my topic?
- Search the reference databases below for background information on your topic:
3) Develop a Research Question: What question do I want to answer?
3) Develop a Research Question: What question do I want to answer?
- Developing a Research Question Video
- Developing a research question (Example)
- Developing a research question (Blank Handout)
4) Thesis Statement
4) Thesis Statement
Plan: Information Seeking Strategies (Step 2)
Plan: Information Seeking Strategies (Step 2)
1) Make a list of all possible sources and select the best ones for your research topic.
1) Make a list of all possible sources and select the best ones for your research topic.
- Resource Checklist
2) Basic Search Tips: What keywords can I use to search for information on my topic?
2) Basic Search Tips: What keywords can I use to search for information on my topic?
- How to Generate Keywords (Example)
- How to Generate Keywords (Blank Handout)
Find: Locate and Access Resources (Step 3)
Find: Locate and Access Resources (Step 3)
1) Library Catalog
1) Library Catalog
2) Databases
2) Databases
- Databases
- Basic Searching (Video)
- Advanced Searching (Video)
- Advanced Searching Techniques: Boolean Searching and Truncation (Handout)
3) Google
3) Google
- Basic Google Searching (Video)
- Advanced Google Searching (Video)
4) Primary Sources
4) Primary Sources
- What Are Primary Sources?Primary Sources
- Locate Primary Sources
- Primary Resources Example Test
5) Evaluate Sources: How do I know if a source is credible and appropriate for research?
5) Evaluate Sources: How do I know if a source is credible and appropriate for research?
- C.R.A.A.P. Test Video
- C.R.A.A.P. Test Video- (Another Explanation)
- C.R.A.A.P. Test (Handout)
- Fake News Checklist (Handout)
- Evaluating Sources for Credibility Video
Create: Use of Information (Step 4)
Create: Use of Information (Step 4)
1) Take Notes
1) Take Notes
- Note Taking Template (Example)
- Note Taking (Blank Handout)
- Directly Quoting Borrowed Information
- Paraphrasing Borrowed Information
2) Cite Sources: How can I document the sources I find?
2) Cite Sources: How can I document the sources I find?
- Citation and Copyright
- EasyBib
- Plagiarism
- Plagiarism Video
- Annotated Bibliography- How to Create
Present: Organizing, Synthesizing and Sharing Information (Step 5)
Present: Organizing, Synthesizing and Sharing Information (Step 5)
1) Organizing Tools:
1) Organizing Tools:
- Outline Generator
- "The Hamburger": 5 Paragraph Essay Graphic Organizer
- Five Paragraph Essay Graphic Organizer
2) Sample Paper (MLA Format)
2) Sample Paper (MLA Format)
3) Sample Paper (APA Format)
3) Sample Paper (APA Format)
Reflect: Evaluation (Step 6)
Reflect: Evaluation (Step 6)
Does your product (written paper, oral presentation, multimedia presentation, performance, etc.) meet (or exceeds) the assignment requirements?
Does your product (written paper, oral presentation, multimedia presentation, performance, etc.) meet (or exceeds) the assignment requirements?