HOW TO DO RESEARCH
Finding 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 RESEARCH
Print, 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 PRODUCT
Annotated 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.