The Big 6 Research Steps

A way to find and use information for projects, papers, or reports.

What is the question?

What is the over-arching question that needs to be answered? Or what is the task that needs to be accomplished? Many people jump into projects and assignments without really understanding the question that they are answering, and then they have to re-do much of their work when they realize they are off target. Another way to say this is "Begin with the end in mind."

Where will I find the best source of information for this task?

Many times, we can find information quickly, but without realizing that it is not the best information that is available for us to use. Where are the resources that will give us the BEST information out of all the possible sources. Some web sites like wikipedia.org have articles and responses to questions that are college and graduate level articles. Do you need a college level response? Or should you look to a general reference publication for your information?

Gathering Information

The process of gathering information started with knowing where to go, but you need to follow certain steps AS YOU GATHER your information to get all the parts and pieces that are required to keep your information organized.

Using information

How will you organize the information that you have gathered? What process will you use to evaluate the information and skills that you have answered?

Presenting Information

Evaluating the Process

After you have completed the process of finding, gathering, and using information, you should review over the process that you have completed and make decisions about HOW WELL IT WORKED.