Research+guides

=Research Skills =

=The Research Process=
 * Scientists** tells us that the human brain uses different centres for creating, organising, expressing, reflecting, etc...and that the brain works better if we don't mix these tasks. Thus, **research** is easier, faster and more accurate if you have a step by step system.

Everyone develops their own system over time, until then here is one good system you can try: Download this document for an overview -
 * 1. Defining --- 2. Locating --- 3. Selecting --- 4. Organising --- 5. Presenting --- 6. Assessing**

1. Defining
This is one of the most poorly done stages for students. Often you are in such a hurry to get to a computer that you don't ask yourself, what does the task really require? To do this you must ask some questions about the assignment Question. How do I do that? Read this -- **[|5 things that go before Google.doc]**
 * What is it I'm being asked to do?**

This document will explain how to do this in only 5 minutes: ???
 * A quick way** to define your questions is to make a list of **//Keywords//** for putting into Google. You need at least 3 //Keywords// for a good search.

1) Doing some pre-reading (getting an overview, perhaps try an encyclopaedia), 2) and knowing how to write a Thesis Statement. Please read Writing a Thesis Statement.
 * If you're an IB Extended Essay student, then you must write your own question (sometimes called a thesis).**
 * This requires:**

2. Locating
This is not just **//'where is the information'//**, it's actually about **//'where is the best information'//** - and what techniques do I need to get it fast. This means when is it best to use magazines, or books, or the internet? Generally speaking you need a mix of all of them. **Magazines** have the latest information. **Books** have the most reliable & accepted information. The **Internet** has both, but it can be untrustworthy. You have to carefully check everything from the internet, but less so with books.
 * Where can I find the information I need?**

Watch this video on magazines - Peabody library on periodicals, 3 mins. [] And look at some examples - Maine Uni's definition of periodicals []
 * Magazines, also called periodicals**
 * This document summarises the different sections in the library **[[file:Physical Library Tour overview.doc]]

Did you know that 50% of the internet is invisible to Google?
 First, do this 10 minute tutorial from Vaughan University...you'll need headphones... @http://library.acadiau.ca/tutorials/websearching/

First, some search engine basics that you probably don't know: Why not try the Library's **Great websites for schoolwork**, it's not as big as Google but they've all been checked by your teacher: Don't get me wrong though, I'm no Google hater; so you must learn **How to Google Good** **.** Do you really know how to Google good? I doubt it!  Here's a handy quick reference chart to download:
 * Search Engines & Databases** - learn how to find better information, faster.

**Questia database**
This is an great new humanities database for Extended Essay students. These are the same type you will be expected to use at uni.

Let's talk Wikipedia.
Wikipedia is an encyclopaedia. **An encyclopaedia are a great place to start your research but the worst place to finish it.** Even Wikipedia knows this - follow these links to read what Wikipedia says about using Wikipedia for research: [|Wikipedia: Academic Use] [|Wikipedia: Wikipedia makes no guarantee of validity] [|Wikipedia: Why Wikipedia is not so great].
 * Much respect to Wikipedia for documenting their own weaknesses.**

Here's an interesting example of a **Wikipedia blindspot.** Search Wikipedia for **//Pokemon.//** How many characters are listed? How many wiki-pages are there? Next, search for the **//Solidarity//** movement of Poland. How many people are mentioned? How many pages does it get?
 * //Pokemon//** is a video game - it has many pages and several hundred characters listed.
 * //Solidarity//** was the first non-communist workers movement in communist Europe. It directly contributed to the downfall of the Berlin wall - it has one page and lists about 20 characters.
 * //Solidarity//** was the first non-communist workers movement in communist Europe. It directly contributed to the downfall of the Berlin wall - it has one page and lists about 20 characters.

So...if specialist information isn't easily found on the web and doesn't show in Google, then Wikipedia often won't rate it as important enough.
 * Wikipedia** depends on regular people to write its articles and it uses the Google ranking system to decide if an article will stay or be deleted.
 * Question:** Was the Polish Solidarity movement important? **Question:** How the heck do I find out? **Answer:** Academic databases such as Questia (see below).

**3.** Selecting
Most web information doesn't pass through the same editorial processes that print resources do. Thus, we have to think for ourselves, think critically that is. Watch this: http://library.acadiau.ca/tutorials/webevaluation/ Learn this easy 4 step system called REAL.
 * What information do I really need?**
 *  There's a lot of good stuff and a lot of rubbish on the internet; can you tell the diff? **

4. Organising
Taking notes helps fix new information in your memory, makes citation & bibliography a breeze, and they can be used at exam time to review. But you must **do it properly first time** for all this to work. Everyone has their own method and you will find yours with practice. However, here's a good method to get you started: **@Note Taking.**
 * Take great notes**

This is where you plan your work and form your argument in detail. You should be pretty good at this by now. If you need a little refresher, try the **Writing Guides.**
 * How can I make all this information in to an essay?**


 * Also, at this stage you should start saving your sources to build a bibliography:**
 * Citation & Bibliography** - stand on the shoulders of giants and get some respect!
 * Here's an overview: [[file:Ref & Cite lesson.doc]]**

5. Presenting
You should know how to write an essay or a report or whatever by year 12. If you need a refresher, there's some templates in the **Writing Guides** section.
 * How will I present this information?**

6. Assessing
Now it's time to reflect. How did you perform on each step? How complete is the finished product? Personally I'd rather read a good book.
 * What did I learn from this?**