Do you sit down at your computer to begin your research and the computer just stares back at you? Is your temptation to check email or your social media accounts? Well, Don't. Try these steps to get you focused.
What does your teacher want you to do? Make sure you understand the requirements of the assignment. Ask your teacher to explain if the assignment seems vague or confusing. Restate the assignment in your own words and ask if you are correct.
1.1 Define the information problem
What does your teacher want you to do? Make sure you understand the requirements of the assignment. Ask your teacher to explain if the assignment seems vague or confusing. Restate the assignment in your own words and ask if you are correct.
1.2 Identify the information you need in order to complete the task (to solve the information problem)
What information do you need in order to do the assignment? Your teacher will often tell you what information you need. If he or she does not, it will help you to write a list of questions that you need to “look up.” Example: Let’s say the assignment is to write a paper and make a product about a notable African American. You choose Scott Joplin from the list that was provided by your teacher. She may or may not have told you why this person is notable. You need to figure out what information you need to find out about Scott Joplin. Here are some questions you may ask about him if you don’t know why he is notable:
If your teacher told you that Scott Joplin is most noted for developing ragtime music, then you may add the questions:
Of course, as you find information on Scott Joplin, you will use some that is not included in your original questions. Use these questions as a place to get started. You won’t waste as much time if you have a place to start.
The “Big6™” is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit: www.big6.com
1. Task Definition
Define the problem/Select a topic/Know your assignment
2. Information Seeking Strategies
Determine all possible sources (brainstorm)
3. Location and Access
Find information within sources (books, magazines, databases, websites)
4. Use of Information
Evaluate the information
5. Synthesis
Integrate information into your assignment.
Cite your sources
6. Evaluation
Judge the product (effectiveness)
Judge the process (efficiency)
One of the biggest problems students have when beginning a research paper is that they don’t understand the assignment.
Make sure that if you have any questions you ask the teacher, other students, or come into the LARC, SSRC, SRC or Library. Some specific details you should know are:
• How long the paper has to be (pages, number of words)
• The type of citation (APA or MLA) preferred by the teacher
• Number and types of sources that are allowed (websites, books, articles)
• Whether specific aspects of the paper have different due dates or is it due in full on a specific date.
• Other formatting details (footnotes, subtitles, heading, double-spacing)
• Set a schedule according to the due dates and how long it will take you to complete each task.
(Day-by-day, week-by-week)