Researching SkillsResearching Skills

The things you need to know!The things you need to know!

Some Questions:Some Questions:

Why do people read?

Think of as many possible reasons for reading as you can….

Getting StartedGetting Started

1.1. Select a topic that would be of Select a topic that would be of interest to youinterest to you

2.2. What are the “5 W’s and 1 H”?What are the “5 W’s and 1 H”?1.1. WhoWho2.2. WhatWhat3.3. WhenWhen4.4. WhereWhere5.5. WhyWhy6.6. HowHow

Getting StartedGetting Started

3.3. Develop a RESEARCH QUESTION(S) Develop a RESEARCH QUESTION(S) that explores your topic.that explores your topic.

4.4. With your partner decide who is With your partner decide who is going to focus on what part of the going to focus on what part of the topic they should take.topic they should take.

QuestionQuestion

What do you look for in a source to What do you look for in a source to determine if it is a good source?determine if it is a good source?

Evaluate: RelevanceEvaluate: Relevance RelevanceRelevance -- Is the source relevant to your -- Is the source relevant to your

research question?research question? As you evaluate relevance, consider some, if As you evaluate relevance, consider some, if

not all of the following:not all of the following:– When was the source written? When was the source written? – How does the source’s date of publication relate to How does the source’s date of publication relate to

your thesis? your thesis? – Is the source out of date for your topic? Is the source out of date for your topic? – Had enough time passed between the event and Had enough time passed between the event and

when the source was written to give the author when the source was written to give the author appropriate perspective? appropriate perspective?

– How well might the source help you to explore your How well might the source help you to explore your research question?research question?

– How much of the source actually pertains to your How much of the source actually pertains to your question?question?

– Is the source appropriate for your reading level, or is Is the source appropriate for your reading level, or is it too advanced or elementary?it too advanced or elementary?

Evaluate: QualityEvaluate: Quality

QualityQuality – Is this source of good quality? – Is this source of good quality? As you evaluate quality, consider some, if not all As you evaluate quality, consider some, if not all

of the following:of the following:– Is the information presented fact, opinion, or Is the information presented fact, opinion, or

propaganda? Is there a noticeable agenda or bias?propaganda? Is there a noticeable agenda or bias?– Does the information appear to be well researched, or Does the information appear to be well researched, or

is it questionable and unsupported by evidence?is it questionable and unsupported by evidence?– Is the source primary or secondary?Is the source primary or secondary?– Is the information organized logically? Are the main Is the information organized logically? Are the main

points clearly presented?points clearly presented?– Who is the author? Where does s/he work? What is Who is the author? Where does s/he work? What is

her/his educational background, past writings and her/his educational background, past writings and experience?experience?

QuestionQuestionNow that I have evaluated a source Now that I have evaluated a source as having good information, then as having good information, then what do I do?what do I do?

AnswerAnswer

“ANNOTATING” AS YOU READ

COMMENTS:

• Opinion

• Reaction

• “Reminds of ____”

• “Seems a lot like ___”

CONNECTIONS:

• “I knew that b/c”

• “That’s surprising b/c ___”

• “This is confusing b/c ___”

• QuestionsWrite in the margin next to each spot that causes you to think any of these things. Remember your primary focus is getting information that will help

you answer your Research Questions!