Read, Read, Read!

Read all the information you've found. Consider whether it will help answer your essential question or support your thesis statement. Think like a detective, and gather evidence and follow clues to support your case. If you don't have enough quality information for your research, ask a librarian. Librarians are experienced in finding quality resources and are happy to help you!

Evaluate

Look critically at the sources you've gathered. Ask these questions:

• Is the information accurate?
• Is the information biased or designed to sway opinion?
• Is the information up-to-date?
• Does the essential question or thesis statement need revision?

Select

Choose the best information for your task. Think about primary and secondary sources, and use PRIMARY SOURCES whenever possible.

Take Notes

There are many ways to record the information you find. Here are a few:

• The Note Card Method
• NoodleBib has a new online note card feature. Try it.!
• Two-column notes on paper (Click here for blank two-column paper you can print.)
• Use a computer for word processing
• Use a computer database
• Use a data chart or graphic organizer (Click here to find out more about graphic organizers.)
• Make illustrations

Click here to learn five different methods for taking notes!

Cite Your Sources

Regardless of how you present the results of your research, you must give credit to your sources. If you use opinions and ideas that aren't yours, be sure to cite them as you would cite facts. For a written paper, you'll prepare a bibliography (also called a works cited list). For a PowerPoint presentation, include a slide at the end with source citations. For a poster, write the citation below the item cited. Whatever format you use for your presentation, you must cite anything that is not your original work or idea.

Plagiarism

Remember that plagiarism is representing someone else's work as your own! Here's a great interactive tutorial on plagiarism called You Quote It, You Note It!

CITE AS YOU GO! When you decide that you will use a source, create the citation right away. This will make it easier for you later. Use NoodleBib or the Fay School Citation Guide to help you cite your sources. Ask a librarian if you need help!