Looking for a way to organize the research process? Check out the "Big Six" for solving your information problem solving needs.
Step 1 Task Definition
What am I supposed to do? Explain in your own words what is expected of you for this assignment.
What information do you need in order to do this?
Step 2 Information Seeking Strategies
What are the possible sources
Which of the sources are best for this assignment?
Step 3 Location and Access
Where will I find these sources?
Who can help me find what I need?
Step 4 Use of Information
How will I record the information?
How will I give credit to my sources?
Step 5 Synthesis
How will I present the finished assignment?
How will I give credit to my sources in my final product or performance?
Step 6 Evaluation
Judge the result (effectiveness)
Judge the process (efficiency)
The Big6™ is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information visit: www.big6.org
What information do you need in order to do the assignment?
The second part to Task Definition (1.2) calls for identifying the information needed and determining the information requirements of an assignment. At this stage we are not talking about various sources such as books, computer databases, magazines, newspapers. The possible sources of information will come in Step 2. In 1.2, think about what types of information you will need to complete the assignment. Will you need facts? Will you need opinions? Will you need pictures? Will you need firsthand accounts? Will you need numerical information? How much information will you need? (Eisenberg, Berkowitz, et al., The Big 6 in Secondary Schools, 2000.)
What are the possible sources of information?
Which are the
best sources for the assignment?
To evaluate an Internet resource click here http://library.albany.edu/usered/eval/eresources.html
To evaluate a print source examine the following:
Authority
1. Is the author qualified?
2. What is the reputation of the publisher?
3. Are they experts in the field?
Objectivity
1. What is the purpose of the source? Is it to inform? Is it to
explain? Is it to sell? Is it to entertain?
2. Is the author’s bias clearly stated?
Currency
1. How up-to-date is the information contained in the source?
Coverage
1. Does the source cover the subject adequately? Check the source’s
table of contents and index to determine coverage.
2. Are there unexplained omissions in the source?
Accuracy?
1. Is the information presented as fact accurate? Check other sources
that cover the same material or time period.
Where will I
find these sources?
Pathfinders created
by Learning Center Library Media Specialists.
Know how to find the book using the Dewey Decimal Classification system?
Visit http://bubl.ac.uk/link/
through Internet Explorer.
Who can help me find what I need?
Learning Center Library Media Specialists .
Internet Tutorials
How will I record
the information I need?
Use Writers Inc: A Student Handbook for Writing and Learning
Visit OWL - The Online Wrtiting Lab, Purdue University: A Guide for
a Writing Research Paper.http://owl.english.purdue.edu/workshops/hypertext/ResearchW/notes.html
for help in notetaking.
How will I give credit for my sources?
Plagiarism
Copyright
Documenting online sources visit NoodleBib
How will I present the final assignment?
You may have an option as to which format you present your research. Consider these possibilities:
Word:
Report
Paper
Table
Brochure
Letter
Diary
Eulogy
Creative piece – poem, fable, fairy tale, lyrics
Inspiration:
Graphic organizer
PowerPoint:
Oral presentation
Overhead transparencies
Chart
HyperStudio
Publisher:
Brochure
Newsletter
Flyer
Website
Multimedia Project:
Video
Diagram
Diorama
Collage
Map
Mobile
Sculpture
Timeline
Mask
Poster
Oral Project:
Debate
Radio Program
Skit
Panel discussion
Interview
Speech
Court trial
How will I give credit in the final assignment?
Plagiarism
Copyright
Documenting print and online resources visit NoodleBib
