Information is generated at an astonishing speed today. In fact, it’s estimated that the amount of information in the world currently doubles every 18 months!

So, while you can’t possibly hope to know all the facts, figures, theories and opinions that there are, you can SUCCEED with research by following these six steps.

So…

What do I really want to find out?

Uncover

Where can I find the information I need?

Choose

What information do I really need to use?

Combine

How do I put this information together?

Express

How can I present this information?

Evaluate

What did I learn from this?

Done!
Very well done!

What do I really want to find out?
Read your assignment carefully and understand what you need to do.
Find out the meaning of keywords and ideas using dictionaries and encyclopedias.
Use questioning techniques to come up with key questions.
Use brainstorming techniques to write down what you already know and come up with keywords to use when you’re searching resources.
Use mind mapping techniques to create lists of headings and subheadings to organise your information.
Complete a management plan so you can record your progress.
Where can I find the information I need?

Identify sources that are likely to answer your key questions:

• Primary and secondary sources
• Books
• Magazines
• Newspapers
• Information file
• Video and audio tapes
• Television
• Online and CD-ROM databases
• The Web
• Librarians
• People
• Organisations

Find out when to use books, dictionaries, encyclopedias, magazine and newspaper articles and web pages.
What information do I really need to use?
Scan and skim sources for relevant information.
Use keywords, indexes, contents pages, chapter headings and summaries to find information quickly within sources.
Compare information with different opinions and from different sources.
Read critically and evaluate information.
Choose information that best answers your key questions.
Take notes, writing summaries in your own words.
Make sure you meet copyright requirements.
Record your sources for referencing or bibliographies.
How do I put this information together?
Check your assignment instructions to make sure the information you’ve selected is relevant and you’ve got enough.
Organise your information building on the mindmap you’ve already created.
Combine information into a sequence and structure that suits your task.
How can I present this information?

Present your information in the appropriate format:

• Written
• Oral
• Visual

Make sure your presentation suits your audience.

Add impact using:

• Design
• Layout
• Colour
• Font
• Contrast
• Underlining

Organise equipment or software for your presentation.
Reference your sources or add a bibliography.
What did I learn from this?
Use your management plan to reflect on how you managed the research process.
Decide whether you answered your key questions.
Decide if you met the criteria for the assignment.
Think about the skills you need to work on for your next research assignment.
Very well done! You’ve got through the six steps and you’re a SUCCESS!