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Introduction:
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The research process is a six stage process. Use the steps as a way of providing a structure
to follow that will allow you to use and develop your information skills in a logical and constructive way. This will allow you to complete the task,
or solve the problem that you have been given. Use this structure across all your subjects. It is a transferable process.
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Step 1 - Task Definition:
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Define what you are being asked to do. Look for key words such as compare, contrast, analyse,
discuss, etc. Ask yourself what information you need to fulfil the requirements of the task. Brainstorm a list, or mind map the information you think you
will need to find.
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Step 2 - Possible Sources of Information:
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List the most likely places that you will find your information. This will include books,
the internet, people, libraries, etc.
You need to be aware that many web pages are not authoritative and you should evaluate them for reliability before using them for information gathering.
A guide to web page evaluation can be found here.
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Step 3 - Locating and Gathering Information:
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Search for your topic on the internet, visit libraries, interview people, etc. Cut and
paste relevant web pages, photocopy small sections of books or take notes, record interviews, etc.
Information on Internet searching strategies can be found here.
Asking the right questions is extremely important. A guide on how to establish questions that help in the research of a topic can be found here.
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Step 4 - Selecting and Analysing your Information:
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Go through your information. Reject what is not relevant. Take notes from internet or
book sources you have gathered, chart, mind map or graph information.
Information on how to create mind maps can be found here.
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Step 5 - Synthesize your Information:
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Highlight your best information, prioritise the rest of the information, establish an
order in which you will use the information. Make a record of sources for the purposes of creating a bibliography/resource list later.
One of the many different formats for a bibliography is shown here. Check with your
teacher first in case s/he has specific format requirements.
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Step 6 - Evaluate your Information:
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Make sure the information you have is relevant to the question you are investigating.
Ensure that you have addressed all of the task requirements and that you have sufficient depth of evidence to answer the requirements of the task.
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Useful Links:
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Follow the links for your year to find handy on-line task organisers:
Year 9 - Year 11 students
Year 12 - Year 13 students
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