From Colorado State University Library - a tutorial on how to begin research - broken down into easy steps.
Researching On the Web
Before you use Web sources in your research, you MUST evaluate those sources.
Define your problem - identify the needed information
Information Seeking Strategies - what sources will be the best to use?
Location and Access - where to find the best resources?
Use of Information - read, listen & find the useful bits
Synthesize - organize & write your paper
Evaluation - judge your process; what worked well?
The Big 6 Research Steps: Berkowitz & Eisenberg
Click on the links below to print helpful handouts.
Check our catalog for resources
Click on link below for printable version of the Project Assignment & Rubric
Retrieved from www.HackCollege.com
Click on image below for full-size version.
1. Task Definition:
· Define your assignment & identify information needed to complete it. Restate the assignment in your own words.
2. Information Seeking Strategies:
· Brainstorm all possible resources for your research.
· Consider both print and digital resources (check with your librarian).
· Select sources that will best answer your research question.
3. Location & Access:
· Locate sources with the most relevant information --- Beyond Google!
· Organize the information you find by creating a Source List (include URLs & copyright information) Use Noodle Tools or Evernote!
· Use keywords when searching.
· Use AND, OR and NOT in your search terms to broaden or narrow your searches.
4. Use of Information:
· Read, listen to, or look at the information you've found. Find the information you need and take careful notes (Check out the applications at Noodle Tools, Evernote and Yolink).
5. Synthesis:
· Organize the information from multiple sources and begin to put it into a outline.
· Begin rough draft of your paper or your performance.
· Create a final copy of your paper, PowerPoint, project & include a works cited page.
6. Evaluation:
· Judge your final product. What went well? Why? What would you do differently next time?
· Judge your research process. What worked? Which tools were best and why? What was hard?
Sources within your research paper are evidence, not points! They prove your point and enhance your findings.
Information Age Inquiry
„To be information literate, a person must be able to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate and use effectively the needed information.”
American Library Assosciation. (1989). Presidential Committee on Information Literacy: Final Report.
The goal is that all involved in information literacy education become wiser consumers of information finding the best ways to test and select information that is valid and relevant to solve information problems.
Access to Wausau West students only. Contact Mrs. Oberbeck from the IMC for login information.
Access to Wausau West Students only. Contact Mrs. Oberbeck from the IMC for login information.
