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:
NoodleBib
has a new online note card feature. You can paste
images or videos into NoodleBib notecards, and it
automatically keeps each piece of information with
its source. You can also make an outline and drag
your note cards into it. Try it!
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!