RESEARCH TIPS

Documentation Guide for Electronic Sources 
It is very important to cite your sources when you use information from the Internet. Click here for examples of citations for Internet resources that are based on MLA guidelines. To save space these entries are single spaced. Remember that MLA guidelines require you to double space the list of works cited. Begin each entry at the left margin and indent the subsequent line or lines one-half inch. For more information, visit the Modern Language Association Homepage. 

Some teachers may require you to cite your sources based on APA guidelines. To see examples of APA documentation, visit the American Psychological Association's homepage. 

Big Six Research Model

What is the Big Six* Research Model? It is six easy steps to a great research project!  Have you ever been confused about how to complete an assignment? What does your teacher want you to do? Where will you find the information? How will you know if you have done a good job? These are all very good questions to ask yourself before you begin an assignment. This research model will help you be successful as you go from the beginning of the assignment to the end. Let's look at these six easy steps.

Step 1. Task Definition
What are you supposed to do? Listen carefully as your teacher explains the assignment and then try to put the instructions into your own words. What special requirements are there to this assignment? Do you need a picture? How long should it be? Will you be required to do a PowerPoint presentation? A speech?

Step 2. Information Seeking Strategies
What are the possible sources of information that you can use? Print sources? Online resources - databases and/or web sites? Human resources such as an expert in the field? Prioritize these sources. Select the best resource to begin your research.

Step 3. Location and Access
Where are these sources located? Do you know how to use them? Most of your best print and online resources can be found in your school library. Your school librarian can help you find the information you need within these sources.

Step 4. Use of Information
This is the step that you usually think of when you think of "research." In this step you will read, take notes, make copies, highlight important facts, and record and evaluate the information you find. Be careful if you are using the Internet. Did your teacher recommend the web site you are using? If not, be sure to evaluate the web site before you take any information from it. 

Step 5. Synthesis
In this step you will organize all of your information into the final product. Take another look at step one so you know exactly what you are supposed to do. Be sure to cite all of your sources. 

Step 6. Evaluation
Evaluate your final product. Does it answer all of the questions outlined in Step 1? Evaluate your research process. Take some time to think about how you did your research. What worked? What didn't? 

Click here to print a student to help you organize your assignment according to the Big6 research model. Use your browser's back button to return to this page. For more information about the Big6 visit the Big6 home page.

       *The descriptions, text, and images of the Big6,  Big6 Skills, Big6 process, and Big6 curriculum are copyrighted by Eisenberg, Berkowitz, 1987. Permission is granted for non-commercial use in educational settings.

 

Student Research Log
This research log is based on the Big6 research model. These questions can be used to organize your assignment. Complete questions 1 through 3 before your begin your research. 

1. Task Definition

   What is your topic?
   What information do you need to complete this assignment?

2. Information Seeking Strategies   
What sources are available to you?
Which sources will you use to get started with your research?

3.Location and Access   
Where are these sources located?
What key words or phrases will help you locate your information?

4. Use of Information   
Read and take notes.
Photocopy and highlight information.
Collect information from all of your sources.
Cite your sources.

5. Synthesis   
Organize your information.
Create the final product.

6. Evaluation
Evaluate the product. Have another student evaluate the product.
Evaluate your research process. What worked well for you in this assignment? What could you have done to improve your research?

*The descriptions, text, and images of the Big6 ,  Big6 Skills, Big6 process, and Big6 curriculum are copyrighted by Eisenberg, Berkowitz, 1987. Permission is granted for non-commercial use in educational settings.

Web Site Evaluation
It is very important to evaluate the sources that you use. Since the Internet has no editors to preview information, and since anyone can publish information on the Web, it is up to you to decide if the web site you are looking at contains good information. Use the questions listed below to help you evaluate a web site.

Authority
Who is the author? Is the author's email address listed on the page?

Accuracy
Is a bibliography listed so that you can check the accuracy of this information?

Objectivity
Is it clear what organization is sponsoring these pages? What is the address of this page? What is the purpose of this page?

Currency
When was this page first published? When was it last updated?