Skills for Research & Study

Quick Research Tips

Step 1: Clarify

What it is you need to find out? Be sure you are crystal clear before you start. What information are you looking for? Consider keywords, questions, synonyms, alternative phrases etc.

Step 2: Search

What are the best words you can type into the search engine to get the highest quality results?

Step 3: Delve & Learn

What search results should you click on and explore further?

Learn as much as you can on the topic. Skim through websites and resources but keep a track of what you have used in case you need to return to it! A good habit is to have a doc with links that you have found useful.

• Remember, begin with a wide search then narrow your search results from there. You will find more information than with a very narrow search.

• Don't be blind as you look for information on your topic. If you only look for specific information to answer a specific question, you may miss many opportunities to broaden your understanding of your topic

Step 3: Take notes

If you find a particular part useful, paste it onto the doc too but not straight into your work!

Remember that research is searching again and again "re - search"

The Big6 (with video)

This method was developed by Mike Eisenberg and Bob Berkowitz, and is used to teach inquiry, information and technology skills all over the world. View more on this site.

1. Task Definition

• Define the information problem

• Identify information needed

2. Information Seeking Strategies

• Determine all possible sources

• Select the best sources

3. Location and Access

• Locate sources (intellectually and physically)

• Find information within sources

4. Use of Information

• Engage (e.g., read, hear, view, touch)

• Take relevant information

5. Synthesis (write from what you have gathered)

• Organise from multiple sources

• Present the information

6. Evaluation

• Judge the product (effectiveness)

• Judge the process (efficiency)

Proven Ways to Study More Effectively (video)