Research river

Stages of the Information Search Process

Stages of Information

Search Process

Initiate Locate Select Organise Present Asses

Feelings(Affective)

Uncertainty Optimism ConfusionFrustration

DoubtTHE DIP!

Sense of direction /

Confidence

Satisfaction orDisappointment

Sense of accomplishment

Thoughts(Cognitive)

Vague Vague Confused Increased interest

Increased interest

Increased self-awareness

Actions(Physical)

Seeking relevant

Exploring

information pertinent

Documenting

information

reflection

Lee FitzGerald, Loreto Kirribilli, November 18th, 2010

The Research River

Starting a research task, you are at the beginning of a journey.

This is a journey that you’ll repeat many times in your life at school and work.

It’s not a simple journey, and may be likened to the progress a river makes from its source to the sea.

Adapted from: Lee FitzGerald, Loreto Kirribilli, November 18th, 2010

The research river: Initiate

Research can be likened to a river’s progress. At its source, the river’s flow is weak and undirected.

In the Initiate stage of an assignment you may feel lost and uncertain as to the path you might take.


The research river: Locate

This is a peaceful and happy part of the research river.

You browse some shallows and get surface information on a few topics to help you choose the one you like.

You use key word searcheswww.flickr.com


The research river: SelectAs water is added to the river, it carves a channel for itself and soon forms a series of rapids.

As you seek information, you find there’s quite a lot of it!

You may even plunge headfirst over a waterfall!

THE DIP!

At this stage of the research process it is completely normal to fall into the dip – to feel overloaded, and confused! It is definitely here where you should seek help from your Teacher Librarian


The research river: Organise


It is only after you’ve researched widely, navigated the flood of information that you feel strong and confident.

The flow of the river has been controlled.

You are now in charge of the information

You are sorting it, controlling it, shaping it to answer your question.

(Keep bibliographic details)

The research river: PresentFinally, as you approach your destination, you may be faced with choices

(What exactly is the shape of my essay? How can I shape all my information into an argument? How am I presenting my information)

Which way will your research river flow to the sea?

Note: Check you’ve covered all angles and answered your research question.

(+ Include your Bibliography)


The Research river: Assessment• You’ve conquered the

raging Information River! You have reached the calm sea, peaceful and happy with yourself.

• Or maybe there’s a little hole back in that old dam you might need to fix next time…

• How was my research journey?

• What worked well?• What would I do

differently next time?

www.flickr.com


Education

Research river