Research Skills

Good research skills are crucial in today's academic environment.

Below are steps that will guide you to successful research 

Define your task

• What is your assignment?
• What information will you need?

Develop Your Search Strategies

• What do you know about your topic?
• What are the best sources for your need?  Books, Web, Databases, Maps?
• Which sources are available and easy to use?

Locate and Access Your Information

• Where will you find your information sources?
• Where will you find the information within the source?
• Make a list of keywords (search terms) and synonyms for your search. 
• Keep a journal of your search process and your sources and their locations for your Works Cited page.

Use your Information

• Read, listen and view your sources
• Extract the relevant information.  Keep journals or notecards of your information.

Combine and Edit (Synthesize) Your Information and Write in Your Own Words

• Organize your information by using an outline or concept map.
• Present your outlint to your teacher.  This will confirm that you are on the right track.  Be sure to inclde your Works Cited page.
• Synthesize, edit, reflect on your final product.  Make final changes.
• Present your final product.

Reflect On and Evaluation Your Work

• Reflect: Did your product meet all the requirements?
• Evaluate: Were you successful in finding accurate, relevant information?
• Did you learn skills you cna use again?  What did you do well and what would you change?

Adapted from the Big6

Read more about Research Skills 

Internet Public Library - A+ Reseach and Writing

The Owl at Purdue - Writing a Research Paper

The Owl at Purdue - Writing a Thesis Statement