HOW TO DO RESEARCHFinding the Connections

RESEARCH …

• at the very least, is problem solving.

• is really about learning, exploring and making connections.

• takes time!

• must have focus for success.

BEFORE YOU RESEARCH …

• you must have a clear understanding of the topic and the “question” it proposes. Your goal is to create a thesis, supported by proof from your research. (Remember: the thesis is always the answer to the question.)

• you should have research questions (recommendation: 5) so you know when your research is complete.

TYPES OF MATERIAL

• Primary source: original material

• Examples: letters, diaries, speeches, government documents, scientific experiments, advertising, novels, videos, editorials …

• Can be accessed through a technological source

• Secondary source: response to the original.

• Examples: analyses, critiques, book reports, responses, editorials …

• Accessed through print and technological mediums.

WHERE TO RESEARCHPrint, Web, Database, Personal

PRINT RESOURCES

• Absolutely – and yes, for the moment, they are out there!

• Not always easy to find or access

WEB MATERIAL

• Use judiciously!

• Always know the sources; must be reputable.

• Must be current.

• Can be useful for ‘information gathering’.

DATABASES

• The ‘must-have’ of research, especially at university.

• Print material that you are accessing through technological means.

• General databases (Academic One File; Advanced; Gold)

• Subject specific (War; Health ..)

• Institutionally specific (Universities; programs; ERIC)

WHEN YOU ACCESS A DATABASE

• Look for full text articles only.

• Peer reviewed elevates the scholarship.

• Be very specific in the language you use; it will either focus or distort the search.

• Search multiple databases for information.

• Will provide you with citation reference (usually MLA).

• Check also Andy Spinks.com; OWL by Purdue University

OTHER ….

• Can be personal in nature, such as interviews.

• Can be videos (a primary source)

• TED talks(Technology, Entertainment, Design) Caution: should be substantial, either in length or content.

FINAL PRODUCTAnnotated Bibliography

VERY SPECIFIC FORMAT

• Citation (using MLA format)

• Followed by summary (approximately 75 - 100 words). Must summarize key points and also indicate the level of scholarship of the source (i.e. author’s background and competency.)

• Followed by analysis (approximately 75 – 100 words). May be in a separate paragraph or included together – teacher’s preference at OLMC – usually one at university.

• Check Seneca.ca (under MLA) formatting for samples of annotations.

HONESTY AND INTEGRITY; NOT PLAGIARISM

• An expectation in all the work that you do.

• Need to acknowledge all materials and ideas that are not your own, whether quoted or paraphrased.

• Citation needs to be accurate and thorough.

• Serious consequences ……

OLMC (Turnitin)

Post –secondary

society

PLAGIARISM PLEDGE

This will be submitted prior to the first assignment; expectations will be made clear to both you and your parents/guardians.