Conducting Research
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A research project is the collection of relevant information from a variety of sources with the intention of becoming informed about a topic for the purpose of sharing that knowledge with an audience.
1. Task Definition: Refine the Research Topic
A good topic for research should be challenging but not overwhelming. A topic is usually chosen because you are interested in learning more about the subject and is usually based on the unit we are studying at the time. Another important consideration is availability of research material. Teachers can help you with this step by helping you search for resources on the topics, before your topic is finalized.
2. Information Seeking Strategies: Choose Reliable Sources
Looking for and collecting facts and information in order to learn as much as possible about a topic is research. You can do this through the use of reliable sources in a variety of print and nonprint formats such as books, encyclopedias, atlases, magazines, newspapers, research databases, Internet sites, videos, as well as interviews with people who are knowledgeable about the topic. These sources should contain factual information that is accurate and up to date.
3. Location & Access, Use of Information: Read/Think/Select Taking Notes and Citing Sources of Information
Collecting information from a reliable source involves reading the information, evaluating the content, and selecting and recording keywords or facts in the form of notes that support the subtopics and the topic. Recording keyword facts, paraphrasing, and summarizing on note cards or graphic organizers help eliminate plagiarism. Copying sentences is allowed only with quotation marks and endnote citations. Giving credit for all sources of information used in the final research product is important and should follow MLA guidelines for documentation.
4. Summarizing, Paraphrasing, and Quoting
You will use information from the works of other people as you research. You will do this using one of the following strategies. Quoting is using the exact words of another person, copied from the source word for word. Quotations must be cited! You must give credit to the person who originally wrote them.
Use a quotation to:
· Support your argument with the power of the author’s own words. Disagree with an author’s argument.
· Highlight powerful phrases or passages.
· Compare and contrast points of view.
· Note important research before your own.
Paraphrasing is rephrasing an author’s words—putting his thoughts in your own words. You actually rework or rewrite the author’s ideas, words, phrases, and sentence structures your own way. Paraphrased material should also be cited! Use a paraphrase to:
· Take notes and to avoid plagiarizing.
· Avoid the overuse of quotations.
· Present information in your own voice.
Summarizing is putting the main idea(s) into your own words. A summary is shorter than the original because it encompasses just the main idea(s). Summarized ideas must also be cited! Use a summary to:
· Establish background or give a topic overview.
· Describe common knowledge (from more than one source) about a topic.
· Determine the main ideas of a single source.
5. Synthesis: Organize Notes/Create Rough Draft/ Create Final Product
Taking notes from numerous reliable sources provides a knowledge base for creating a final research product that will communicate your newly acquired and sufficiently analyzed information. By reading, evaluating, and interpreting these notes, they can be organized into logical subtopic sections that will make a final product easier to produce. Using an outline is often helpful at this point. Once notetaking and its organization are complete, the creation of the final research product begins with a rough draft. At this point, it is important that you have sufficient information, some creativity, and enough time to produce a successful product that communicates the desired information. Prewriting, composing, revising, editing, and publishing are all important components of the final research product process. As a part of the final product, a list of sources used to provide information should be written following MLA guidelines.
Adapted from: "Research Project Guide A Handbook for Teachers and Students," www.commoncorehistorysocialstudies6to8.com
1. Task Definition: Refine the Research Topic
A good topic for research should be challenging but not overwhelming. A topic is usually chosen because you are interested in learning more about the subject and is usually based on the unit we are studying at the time. Another important consideration is availability of research material. Teachers can help you with this step by helping you search for resources on the topics, before your topic is finalized.
2. Information Seeking Strategies: Choose Reliable Sources
Looking for and collecting facts and information in order to learn as much as possible about a topic is research. You can do this through the use of reliable sources in a variety of print and nonprint formats such as books, encyclopedias, atlases, magazines, newspapers, research databases, Internet sites, videos, as well as interviews with people who are knowledgeable about the topic. These sources should contain factual information that is accurate and up to date.
3. Location & Access, Use of Information: Read/Think/Select Taking Notes and Citing Sources of Information
Collecting information from a reliable source involves reading the information, evaluating the content, and selecting and recording keywords or facts in the form of notes that support the subtopics and the topic. Recording keyword facts, paraphrasing, and summarizing on note cards or graphic organizers help eliminate plagiarism. Copying sentences is allowed only with quotation marks and endnote citations. Giving credit for all sources of information used in the final research product is important and should follow MLA guidelines for documentation.
4. Summarizing, Paraphrasing, and Quoting
You will use information from the works of other people as you research. You will do this using one of the following strategies. Quoting is using the exact words of another person, copied from the source word for word. Quotations must be cited! You must give credit to the person who originally wrote them.
Use a quotation to:
· Support your argument with the power of the author’s own words. Disagree with an author’s argument.
· Highlight powerful phrases or passages.
· Compare and contrast points of view.
· Note important research before your own.
Paraphrasing is rephrasing an author’s words—putting his thoughts in your own words. You actually rework or rewrite the author’s ideas, words, phrases, and sentence structures your own way. Paraphrased material should also be cited! Use a paraphrase to:
· Take notes and to avoid plagiarizing.
· Avoid the overuse of quotations.
· Present information in your own voice.
Summarizing is putting the main idea(s) into your own words. A summary is shorter than the original because it encompasses just the main idea(s). Summarized ideas must also be cited! Use a summary to:
· Establish background or give a topic overview.
· Describe common knowledge (from more than one source) about a topic.
· Determine the main ideas of a single source.
5. Synthesis: Organize Notes/Create Rough Draft/ Create Final Product
Taking notes from numerous reliable sources provides a knowledge base for creating a final research product that will communicate your newly acquired and sufficiently analyzed information. By reading, evaluating, and interpreting these notes, they can be organized into logical subtopic sections that will make a final product easier to produce. Using an outline is often helpful at this point. Once notetaking and its organization are complete, the creation of the final research product begins with a rough draft. At this point, it is important that you have sufficient information, some creativity, and enough time to produce a successful product that communicates the desired information. Prewriting, composing, revising, editing, and publishing are all important components of the final research product process. As a part of the final product, a list of sources used to provide information should be written following MLA guidelines.
Adapted from: "Research Project Guide A Handbook for Teachers and Students," www.commoncorehistorysocialstudies6to8.com
Resources to help you organize
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