The Big 6 A guide to research

What is the Big 6? An approach to obtaining information online effectively and efficiently. 6 Steps Task Definition Information Seeking Strategies Location & Access Use of Information Synthesis Evaluation

Task Defintion Knowing what you have to do. Ask yourself the following questions: What are the expectations for the final product? (ie. Presentation, format, length of time, essay, etc.) What is the topic of the assignment? When is the due date? What are the key words? What question do I have to answer? What type of information will I be researching? Which citation format should I use and how many?

Information Seeking Strategies Determine all possible resources and choose the best. Websites will be provided. Be sure to record the best sites. What gives you the “biggest bang for your buck?”

Location & Access Locate your sources. Ask yourself… Where to I go to access these sources? How can I access these sources? Who can help me if I need help locating these sources? How do I find the information within the text? (ie. Alphabetical order, index, search screens, key words, etc.) A “Helpful Hint” from the CRLS Research Guide: “Every source has its own system of organization. Check out the way each one is organized when you start using it. Look for the index and table of contents. Get help if you need it. After a while, you will learn how to use a wide variety of sources.”

Use of Information Once you have obtained your sources, survey through the information and determine: Is this a good source for me? Do I understand the text? Does the information help me complete my task? Does it have the best information possible or does it make me want to change my topic? How will I get the information from the text? (ie. Note taking, photocopy, printing, highlighting, voice recording, etc.) Be sure to cite ALL sources used!

Synthesis Put it all together. Review task. Determine your final product, set-up, and organization. Obtain proper materials. Create a timeline.

Evaluation PROOF READ! Yourself and a pal. Complete checklist and be sure that you completed the assignment properly. Do YOU think you did a good job and met all the requirements? How much more time do you have before the due date? According to the CRLS research guide, do you have…: 1. Correct spelling 2. Overall neatness 3. Parts in a logical and correct order, nothing missing 4. Borrowed material properly cited 5. Any thesis statements or arguments have been supported Once you have completed the following, pass it in BY the DUE DATE!

Sources Samuels, Holly. The Big 6 Skills. CRLS Research Guide, 2004. Web. 14 July 2015. <http://www.crlsresearchguide.org/Big_Six_Steps.asp>.