2. INFORMATION SEEKING STRATEGIES
What are the best sources of information?
Once you know what you are doing, it is time to determine possible sources of information that are appropriate to your information need. Once you have selected your sources, you will examine them to choose those that are most likely to provide quality information to meet the task as you have defined it.
2.1 Determine the range of possible sources
• What are all possible sources of information? |
2.2 Select the best sources
• What are the best possible information sources? |
How to complete step 2 successfully (or the power of brainstorming!)
1. Make a list of all possible sources of information.
2. Talk to classmates and your teacher about your choices. Do not feel upset or angry if these conversations make you see that your sources need to be reconsidered. This is part of the process.
3. Think outside the box—use your creativity when brainstorming possible sources.
4. Narrow down your sources until you have the best possible selections to meet the needs of your assignment.
5. This step may take time. Research is a process of trial-and-error. Often, you will have to rethink what you are doing. Don't worry; practice will make this step easier with time.
2. Talk to classmates and your teacher about your choices. Do not feel upset or angry if these conversations make you see that your sources need to be reconsidered. This is part of the process.
3. Think outside the box—use your creativity when brainstorming possible sources.
4. Narrow down your sources until you have the best possible selections to meet the needs of your assignment.
5. This step may take time. Research is a process of trial-and-error. Often, you will have to rethink what you are doing. Don't worry; practice will make this step easier with time.
Helpful Links to Complete Step 2
Step Zero: What to Do Before Searching
Help going from topic to web search. Primary and Secondary Sources List of types of primary and secondary sources. Which Search Engine Should I Use? This article is a step by step walk-through that takes you through common questions that are asked in a general search query. Four Nets for Better Searching Learn how to use Google's Advanced Search to improve the quality of the online sources you find. |
The CRAAP Method
A fun and interactive website to help you learn the basics of website evaluation. Evaluating Websites A comprehensive website to help you learn how to evaluate websites. Lessons on which questions to ask, what information to look for, and many examples. The Boolean Machine Interactive tool that helps users visualize Boolean searches. |