>>Hello. This is Jessica Tipton, reference librarian from Billington Library, and today
we're going to talk about the research process and using the Big 6 to complete your research
projects. So, first off, why the Big 6? Well, it's a
great way to keep yourself organized and keep everything in place as you work on a research
project. And it helps students and researchers to acquire, evaluate and use information effectively.
These are the steps for the Big 6. And we'll be going through these in the rest of this
Powerpoint video. So, Step 1 is Task Definition. And, of course,
it's really important to understand your assignment requirements and due dates as you look at
what you need to do for a research paper or project. You also start thinking about the
background information you already have about this topic, the key words you'll be using
when you're searching and so on. So with gathering background information about
your topic, you can look at things like reference books. We have many online reference books
through the library. We also have print ones, of course, as well. Reference books meaning,
you know, encyclopedias, dictionaries. We have lots of online sources that you can use.
And while you're doing your background research, write down important key words. Doing this
first step enables you to learn the key terms and phrases others use in describing your
topic. So let's just go through an example. So something
to start with is that you shouldn't ever write or type out your entire thesis statement or
question into a search box as you won't find the results you want. This is true with Google,
any other online search engine. This is true with the library resources such as Summon.
But don't type out the whole question. What you want to do instead is write out your question
and circle the key terms or nouns that are in this. And then think of some other ones
that you can use. So with this question, how has social media changed how we communicate?
Well, what are the key words or terms in this? We could talk about social media. Communication
or communicate. And then we start thinking about some other words that we might use.
We might think of some of the products that people use for social media such as Twitter.
Or we might think of some communication issues that come up such as textspeak, which most
people are familiar with. Some people might not be. So you have to think about that if
you're using that in your paper or in talking with other people.
So this is just kind of how you can get started. Some people also find it really useful to
create a key word concept map. If you're a visual learner, this is a great way to go.
And you can use this and fill it out as you gather background information about your topic.
So, you put your main topic up at the top. So "social media" in the first box. Then you
fill out your main concepts in the ovals below. So I wrote out "changes in communication",
one, and "software/companies" in another just to show you how you would fill this out. And
then underneath you type out synonyms or related words as you're doing your research. So with
changes in communication, for example, I wrote out "textspeak" and "privacy", but I could
put lots of other words. This can become a really big map. It doesn't have to be as small
as I've done this one. But it's a great way to organize your thoughts.
So, after you've done some of your background research, you go out and find -- start thinking
about how you're going to find more information on your topic and what resources you can use.
Listen to what your professor says as she tells you about the assignment. Many times
professors will have a list of places that they want you to make sure to try when you're
looking for information. For example, I know some professors will say, you need two books
or two articles; or make sure you get an article from JSTOR or, you know, something like that.
Or they'll tell you you can only use one internet -- free internet source. So make sure you
know what those requirements are. There's tons of resources available out there. Make
sure you go through more than one and get that well-rounded approach to research. Don't
get all of your articles from one newspaper or all your research from one book. You want
to make sure you find out what lots of people have to say on your topic.
So, next you actually go out and get the research. Step 3 is searching or hunting and gathering.
Often your topic changes a bit as you find books and articles. You might find the need
to go from a broad topic to something more narrow. You might find that your topic as
you've started is just too overwhelming and you really need to break it down into a smaller
piece of the research that's out there. This is very common during the research process.
Remember to ask a librarian for help if you're not finding what you want. I always tell people,
your job is to write your paper or complete your project; your job is not to get frustrated
doing the research. So ask for help. That's why we're here.
So Step 4, Use of Information. This is where you read through your sources, evaluate them
and take notes. Are these the best sources for your project? Is the information current?
Can you trust the author? Make sure you have the information you need to complete your
bibliography at this point as well. It's a lot easier to get this information now than
to try to put it together the night before the paper is due. So make sure, just go ahead
and do your bibliography now so you don't have to worry about it.
Step 5, Synthesis. This is all about organizing the information you've gathered into an outline
and then into your final project, whether that's paper, Powerpoint or whatever else
the assignment might be. But this is where you put it all together.
And then Step 6, don't forget about this, this is Evaluation. Lots of people skip this
one. But this is important because it helps you grow. So, evaluation. This is where you
make sure that you've met all the requirements of the assignment before turning it in. This
is double checking your work, thinking about what you've learned and what you could do
differently next time. And then, of course, receiving the evaluation back from your professor.
Every research process and assignment is a learning experience. You should become better
at it each time. If you're not, have a conversation with your professor or librarian for more
tips on how you can improve and become better at the process.
I hope this has given you a good start on how to do your research. Of course, if you
have questions, come and see us at Billington Library. We're always happy to help. Thanks.