Rescue for the Researcher and Writer. The Research Process 1.Planning the project 2.Selecting /...
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Transcript of Rescue for the Researcher and Writer. The Research Process 1.Planning the project 2.Selecting /...
The Research ProcessThe Research Process
1. Planning the project
2. Selecting / refining a topic
3. Finding sources
4. Evaluating your sources
5. Organizing your findings
6. Writing & revising
Time ManagementTime Management
Planning5%
Topic Selection5%
Topic focus15%
Gathering information
30%
Organizing your information
5%
Writing & revising40%
http:core.lib.purdue.edu/plan4.htm
Understanding Your Understanding Your AssignmentAssignment
Format of the project (research paper, oral presentation, design . . .)
Length Audience Assessment criteria Citation style (APA, MLA . . .)
Exploring Your TopicExploring Your Topic
Google Hint: ~sustainable development will search
for sustainable development and its
common synonyms
define: sustainable development will
search for definitions and links
•Brainstorm ideas for a topic•Come up with keywords
•Consider using broader & narrower terms
WebbingWebbing
Penn State University Libraries. (2005). Retrieved August 22, 2005, from http://www.libraries.psu.edu/instruction/infolit/andyou/mod1/idea3.htm
Thesis StatementThesis Statement
States the topic / main idea of the paper Shows the purpose of your paper Shows the direction of your argument Written in focused, specific language It is interesting
Looking for InformationLooking for Information
Check the library for: Books Periodicals Government documents Newspapers Videos Human expertise
Looking for InformationLooking for Information
Check the world wide web for: The Invisible Web (beyond google) Online databases Current information (online newspapers,
articles, studies. . .) The Library’s Best of the Web pages
Using & other Using & other General Search EnginesGeneral Search Engines
•Many web pages are free•Most web pages are commercial
•Anyone can create and publish a webpage
Information on the web is•Not highly organized
•Not always comprehensive•Not permanent
Evaluate your SourcesEvaluate your Sources
Accuracy Does the source seem correct? Do you need to
check the information with a second source? Currency
Is this source up to date? Objectivity
Is this source unnecessarily biased? Coverage
What is the purpose of this source? Authority
Who is the author / publisher of this source?
Going Beyond GoogleGoing Beyond Google
Holland College Library has licensed several databases that provide access to full text articles and
current information:
•Canadian Business & Current Affairs•ABI/INFORM•Academic Search Elite•Professional Development Collection•Vocational & Career Collection•Encyclopedia Britannica•Gale Health & Wellness
Taking NotesTaking Notes
Avoid plagiarism Read the information, think, then put what
you’ve read in your own words Avoid cutting and pasting Identify direct quotes Document your sources as you take notes
Create descriptive headings / subtopics
Use index cards or paper that can easily be reorganized
Keep the notes short Add personal
comments
Taking NotesTaking Notes
http://webster.commnet.edu/mla/notes.shtml
Creating an OutlineCreating an OutlineI. Introduction
A. Grab audience attentionB. State thesis
II. BodyA. Build pointsB. Develop ideasC. Support main claim
III. ConclusionA. Reemphasize main idea
www.owl.english.purdue.edu/workshops/pp
Writing the Rough DraftWriting the Rough Draft
Introduction Be very clear about what the main idea is
Body Turn the key ideas in your outline into
paragraphs Conclusion
Sum up your thesis – show you have proven something
IntroductionIntroduction
8 ways to introduce your topic1. Background information2. Definition3. Story4. Question5. Quotation6. Contradiction7. Fact or statistic8. Surprising statement
Body of the PaperBody of the Paper
Topic sentence at the beginning of each paragraph
Supportive ideas follow the main idea With each new “big” idea, start a new
paragraph Sentences and paragraphs should be smooth
and logically connected
ConclusionConclusion
4 Ways to conclude your paper
1. Review key points and restate your thesis in a “new” way
2. Recommend a course of action
3. Make a prediction
4. End with a relevant quotation
Editing your Rough Editing your Rough DraftDraft
If time allows, set it aside for a day or so. Editing tools
Dictionary / spell check Thesaurus Grammar & punctuation handbook /
grammar check Red pen An editor
Writing the Final DraftWriting the Final Draft
Word processed is usually preferred Pay attention to appearance Read the paper out loud Don’t forget to credit your sources
Bibliography / works cited page Create a snappy title Keep a backup copy
If you have any questions or need help If you have any questions or need help with your researching and writing, with your researching and writing,
please contact us at please contact us at
Holland College Library Services.Holland College Library Services.