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High School Library The Research Process
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To make sense of the mountains of information available on a topic it is important to develop a plan and method for doing research. Following is an example of a method for writing a persuasive essay but the approach is the same for any type of paper.
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School |
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Pollution |
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Eating |
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Hunting |
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Guns |
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Computer games |
Example:
"Guns & School"
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Would stricter gun control laws infringe upon the right to own guns? |
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Are the present gun control laws tough enough? |
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Are gun manufacturers doing everything they should to make safe weapons? |
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Should laws prohibit gun sales at gun shows without background checks? |
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Should there be an age limit for owning a gun? |
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Would gun control make schools safer? |
Turn your questions into a persuasive thesis statement
Stricter gun control laws and licensing in America will save lives.
OR
Stricter gun control laws and licensing will not save lives and would infringe on American's constitutional right to own guns.
Start With a General Source
Next: Use a Variety of Sources
1. Encyclopedias
2. Books
3.Computer/CD’s
4.Graphs, charts, tables (almanac)
5. Internet: Google
6. Databases: MARVEL/ Opposing Viewpoints/ Facts On File
7. Magazines
8. Newspapers
9. People
10. Video/audio sources
Using Keywords to Search
Choosing the right keywords (related) simplifies searching.
Use a broad term (ex. disease) to search or do the opposite by using a precise narrow term (ex. "chicken flu")
Sometimes you will have more success using the singular form of a word rather than the plural form (ex. "cat" rather than "cats")
On the Internet, use more than one search engine for different results.
Check the copyright date. Sometimes it is important to have the most recent information.
Keep a list of sources used. Write down information about books and internet sites as you access them.
Be aware of the differences between fact and opinion. Just because it is in print or on your screen does not mean it is true.
Notice when sources agree or disagree.
Paraphrase unless you use quotations.
Briefly summarize what you read.
Add you own ideas and opinions.
Organize you note cards.
Try using synonyms or antonyms for key words if you don’t get a match.
Remember:
Reference books cover vast areas of information.
They may not appear in a card catalog search.
Browse.
Use the index (or) table of contents.
They have lots of good information.
Find it at: Opposing Viewpoints
Get passwords from the library.
Available at school and at home!
Be sure to include what you feel are the most important points.
Eliminate information that is repeated or does not belong.
Organize you information in a new way.
Compare the information you have collected from various sources.
Organize the key ideas in a clear and logical order.
Use your own words.
Create
a Reference List
or Works Cited Page
Respect copyright and fair use laws!
Use your note cards.
Use the MLA
(modern language association) citation guide.Available in the library.
Or on the web.
Evaluate often while you working on your paper.
Look back on the research process and think about what worked and what didn't.
Get feedback from others.
Judge your paper/or presentation and consider what you might have changed to improve it.
Ask for help from your friendly library staff.
or
Go to InfoZone: information literacy skills at: http://www.assd.winnipeg.mb.ca/infozone/
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Big6 information skills at: www.big6.com Click on Research
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Oregon School Library Information System - Research Process Guide