Research+Tasks+The+six+step+process


 * Research Tasks The six step process **


 * Step 1: What do you need to do? **


 * Identify your topic, the problem, hypothesis or the essential question. **

Brainstorm this and come up with other questions and ideas that will help in your research. Write down everything you know about the topic – keywords, names, places, etc associated with the topic – these will become words to help you search.

A question matrix will help you generate some questions about the topic. Focus on the WHY questions. Research is about understanding and finding out why, not just finding information.

Organise your ideas and questions. You might want to use a graphic organiser like Inspiration or Bubblus to connect your ideas and words.

Tip: Many different graphic organisers can be found on the library page on the Portal.


 * Step 2: Where can I find the information I need? **
 * Not all library resources will be suitable for all topics.**

Think about the type of information you need and what is available:

Facts, easy to use with contents and index. || ** Newspapers ** Current issues and topical coverage. || ** Journals ** Technical and specialist information, current and up-to-date || ** Databases ** Specialised information, back copies of newspapers and journals || Specialised information || ** Internet ** General information, facts, commercial, government and organisational reports || ** Video ** Visual information, television programs, advertisements || ** Experts ** In depth information, details and specialised knowledge || Statistics, new information, opinions, evidence || ** Observation ** Local information, evidence. || ** Interviews ** Oral history, opinions, experts. || ** Other ** ||
 * ** Books **
 * ** CD ROM **
 * ** Questionnaires **

Select the best type of information for your topic. Make a table like this.


 * ** Question ** || ** Best source ** ||


 * Tip: Try to use a variety of sources. Research is about searching widely to find accurate, current and relevant information. **


 * Step 3: Choose your resources **


 * How do I find the best information? **


 * Library** – use the OPAC (library catalogue) to find books, videos and websites. Search using the key words and terms you listed in your brainstorm in Step 1. Go back to step 2 and remind yourself about the resources that are best suited to your topic.


 * Internet** – use the full power of a search engine like Google. Don’t limit your search to Wikipedia. Start there, then look at the references in the article and search further. Use more specific words in your search – don’t just do one word searches! Use the words from your brainstorm and other information you are gathering – names of people, places and organisations may be useful search words.

Electronic library is good for international coverage of current events; use Digital Age for The Age newspaper; use Echo if you are looking for local newspaper articles and detailed coverage of issues.
 * Databases** – again, use Advanced search function. Be specific in your search.


 * Tip: Don’t just accept information at face value – what is the source? How reliable is it? Is bias evident? Is it current? Keep track of what sources you have used, the search terms you have tried. Be persistent! **


 * Step 4: Organise the information **

You must not copy the information straight from other sources. Use a data grid and the question matrix from Step 1 to organise your information. Read with your questions in mind, make notes by taking the main points and putting them into your own words. If you are comparing different issues or problems, you may like to use a graphic organiser such as a Double Bubble to help you sort out your ideas.
 * What is the most useful information for my purpose? **

Keep details of your sources. Do not just write down Google or Digital Age. You need to have details of the specific resource – newspaper article, web page, video or book you used. Bibliography Wiz is a simple way to keep this information as you go and then compile your bibliography at the end.


 * Step 5: How do I pull it all together? **


 * What is the best way to present this information to my audience? **

This it the real research bit. Refer back to your original question and ask yourself “What does this mean?” Draw together the information you have gathered – the information that supports your findings and the information that disproves your question. This is why it is important to keep all your research together. Your presentation should reflect what you have found out, your opinion and conclusions.

You will need to summarise the information you find in different sources and then put it together to answer your question, problem or hypothesis. Start by writing down some sub topics so that you can group your findings, smaller questions that will help answer the big question. Go back to your original brainstorm of ideas from Step 1.

You need to decide how to present the information for your audience. Check if a particular presentation has been suggested.

Some presentation ideas (there are many more!)


 * Booklet || Game || Diary || Letter || Log ||
 * Magazine || Newspaper article || Play || Poem || Story ||
 * Report || Brochure || Chart || Dance || Diorama ||
 * Graph || Poster || Map || Banner || Collage ||
 * Painting || Pantomime || Photographs || Scrapbook || Slide show ||
 * Transparency || Video || Audio || Debate || Interview ||
 * Oral report || Panel || Puppets || Skit || Song ||
 * Speech || Power Point || Prezi || Mind map || Web page ||


 * Step 6: How did I do? **


 * Have I answered the question? Am I happy with my work? **

You should always evaluate and reflect on your work. Check your work against the rubric – have you presented work that shows the criteria that was asked for? Ideally you should get someone else – a classmate, a parent, your teacher – to look at your work as you go so that you stay on track. Always check your spelling, punctuation and overall presentation. Make sure to include your bibliography.