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

This is a journey that you will 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.

The Information Search Process

Thanks to Lee Fitzgerald & Di Laycock - Loreto Kirribilli, Australia

Information Search Process

Carol Kuhlthau began her investigation on how students research 20 years ago.

She found out that they did things on at least three levels – thinking, feeling and acting – and that doing research particularly involves strong feelings.

Kuhlthau has done many studies and found people, all their lives, go through the same process and tasks and feelings while they are searching for and dealing with new information.

It may help you to know that the rollercoaster of feelings you experience as you do an assignment is completely normal.

Everyone feels the same!

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

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

The Research River: Initiation

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7774441@N05/1701360352/

The Research River: Selection

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

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

http://photos.igougo.com/images/p387721-Nottingham-A_babbling_brook.jpg

The Research River: Exploration

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

You’ve chosen your area of interest, but as you seek,information, you find there’s quite a lot of it!!

http://www.ckrumlov.cz/obr/region/soucas/758b.jpg

The Research River: Exploration

You many even plunge headfirst over a waterfall –unsure of what lies below it – THE DIP! At this stage of the research process, it is normal to fall into the dip – to fell overloaded and confused!

Especially when you don’t particularly care about the assignment questions!

http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/waterfall-digital-photography/

The Research River: Formulation

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

In the process some of the water is left behind.

You are happy with you enquiry question and you are steaming ahead to the sea. You feel confident and focused now.

http://www.inhabitat.com/wp-content/uploads/shinyriver.jpg

The Research River: Collection

http://www.paulnoll.com/China/Excursions-2/Lanzhou-dam.html

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.

The Research River: Presentation

http://northcoastphotos.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=88

Finally as you approach your destination, you may be faced with choices.

(What exactly is the shape of my essay?) Which path will you take?

The Research River: Assessment

You’ve conquered the raging river!You are basking in a calm river, peaceful and happy with yourself.

Or maybe there’s a little hole in the dam you might need to fix next time. . .

www.free-slideshow.com/living_rivers.shtml