Research Tools and Techniques
Plagiarism Prevention from Rutgers University Libraries
People who are information literate are able to recognize when information is needed, then locate, evaluate, and effectively use the information that they find.
“We are always seeking information. What car or stereo should I buy? Which college should I choose? How can I sell this idea to my boss? How can I convince the school board to act on my proposal? Information helps us reach conclusions, make our choices, and communicate more effectively.” (http://www.sdst.org/shs/library/infolit.html)
Information literacy is extremely important in today’s environment of rapid technological change and ever-expanding information resources. We are constantly faced with too many information choices--in school, in the workplace, and in our personal lives--that often come in unfiltered formats, raising questions about authenticity, validity, and reliability. Simply put, good information is often mixed in with really bad information. We need to constantly improve our searching, evaluating, and communication skills in order to survive in the information age.
Information Literacy/Research Skills
© 2007 Finneytown Local School District. All rights reserved.
Updated 3/29/08.
Use Wikipedia at your own risk! ANYBODY can edit the information in Wikipedia at any time. Third graders have been known to submit entries. You do not want to base your grade on the knowledge of a 9-year old! Use one of the INFOhio resources instead.
What About Wikipedia?
Working Bibliography
-
1.Task Definition
-
1.1 Define the information problem.
-
1.2 Identify info needed to solve the problem
-
•What is my task?
-
•What are some topics or questions I need to answer?
-
•What information will I need?
-
2.Information Seeking Strategies
-
2.1 Determine all possible sources.
-
2.2 Select the best sources
-
•What are all the possible sources to check?
-
•What are the best sources of info for this task?
3. Location and Access
-
3.1 Locate sources (intellectually & physically).
-
3.2 Find information within sources
-
•Where can I find these sources?
-
•Where can I find the info in the source?
4. Use of Information
-
4.1 Engage (read, hear, view, touch).
-
4.2 Extract relevant information
-
•What info do I expect to find in this source?
-
•What info from the source is useful?
-
5.Synthesis
-
5.1. Organize from multiple sources.
-
5.2 Present the information
-
•How will I organize my information?
-
•How should I present my information?
6. Evaluation
-
6.1 Judge the effectiveness of the product.
-
6.2 Judge the efficiency of the process
-
•Did I do what was required?
-
•Did I complete each of the Big6 Stages?
1. Plan
Before I begin, I think:
-
•What am I supposed to do?
-
•Where should I look for information?
-
•What does a good job look like?
-
2.Do
-
As I work, I think:
-
•Are my notes accurate and complete?
-
•Have I written a good paragraph?
-
•Does my project have the information it needs?
-
3. Review
When I’m finished:
-
•What new skill did I learn that I can use again?
-
•What did I enjoy or hate about this assignment?
-
•What grade would I give myself?
The Big6 Research Process for students in grades 5-12
The Big6 Research Process for students in grades K-4
Search Engines, MetaSearch Engines, and Subject Directories
INFOhio Online Databases
Citation Maker
Question Brainstorming
Note Taking Form
Research Project Organizer
Topic Worksheet
Google Cheat Sheet
MLA Style
Citations:
What is MLA Style?
Quick MLA Style
Complete MLA Style
Website Evaluation Checklist
