Embedded Files
Collection Cycle
Research is not a linear process--it's a full circle!Collection Cycle
This diagram demonstrates the cyclical nature of the Collection Phase.
- We start with a Question.
- Always consider the possibility that a source you Find isn't really the best to use. Don't waste your time by letting a sub-par source make it past Evaluate!
- There are two Note steps. We always have a better understanding with multiple "passes" over the information.
- Notice the link that makes it all a circle: Question. Often we don't know what we don't know! Reading a source should spark more questions, which leads to finding more sources that answer those questions.
Types of Sources
Explore our Databases and consider other options.Types of Sources
This video (10:44) walks through different types of sources you may use for research and some of their strengths and weaknesses.
0:00 -- databases vs. search engines3:16 -- how to access databases5:48 -- search term trouble
Types of Sources.mp4Primary Sources
Work with the original sources that led to the others.Primary Sources
Search Tips
Try better search terms for better results.Search Tips
This slideshow shares some tips that we teach for developing great search terms.
Click here to view a lesson script we've used with this slideshow.
Evaluation Tools
BESST test and lateral reading.Evaluation Tools
BEST Test
Always check your source for Bias, Exptertise, Sources (does my source have sources?), and Timing (is it current?). ALWAYS find out about the publisher (click on About), and author if possible.
Flip through the slideshow to learn more about each category.
And check out this document for some examples of "red flags."
Lateral Reading
Click this link to learn more about lateral reading as an important tool for evaluating resources.
Citation Levels
What and when to bother citing.Citation Levels
Throughout any curriculum, there are varying degrees of need for crediting sources, depending on the purpose of each assignment. This is a guide for where different assignments could fall on the spectrum.
Citing Sources
Build and export citations to credit your sources.Citing Sources
Simple Citation Builder
(Citation Level 1)Simple Citation Builder
This video (4:27) shows how to use the Simple Citation Builder to cite a web page.
For images or videos, use NoodleTools (Citation Level 2). If this is not an option, you may refer to these guides: "Citing Images from the Web," "Citing an Online Video."
Using Simple Citation Builder.webmCiting Databases in NoodleTools
(Citation Levels 2 & 3)Citing Databases in NoodleTools
This video (3:21) shows how to export a citation from a database to NoodleTools.
(Side note: the interface for Explora has changed since this video was created. Updated video coming soon.)
cite databases (EBSCO, Gale, ABC-CLIO).webmCiting Web Pages, Photos, etc., in NoodleTools
(Citation Levels 2 & 3)Citing Web Pages, Photos, etc., in NoodleTools
This video (3:08) shows how to cite anything else in NoodleTools.
The example given is a Web Page from a Website. NoodleTools also has options to cite images, videos, reports, blogs, government documents, etc.
citing a webpage (and no author date).webmFor more details on citing in MLA format, try the Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University. This link shows info on CITATIONS.
NoodleTools Notecards and Outline
Take notes as you read, and organize your notes to generate an outline.NoodleTools Notecards and Outline
This video (4:34) shows the steps for using Notecards and Outline in NoodleTools.
1 Notecard = 1 Idea. For each new idea you want to remember, create a new Notecard. The direct quote in your Notecard should be only 1-3 sentences.
NoodleTools Notecards.webmPage updated
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