Starting a Project: Research Tips PROJECTS Starting a Project: Research Tips

What Do I Want to Know? Start with a mind map or spider diagram What is my topic? Put that in the middle Then fill in the legs with keywords What do I already know? What are the keywords for this topic? Who, what, where, when and how questions might help you think of keywords

Information Gathering How will I search for information? What sources will I use? Books, encyclopaedias, the Internet Look at the Contents page and the Index of books Think about your search terms for Google Where will I find my sources? The school library Public libraries Home

Choosing the Right Source (1) How do I know this is the right book/ website for me? Do I understand what I’m reading? Books designed for S1/S2 pupils usually have more pictures and have information displayed in text boxes which makes the information easier to read. Look at a page of information If there are more than five words on the page that you don’t understand then you need to choose something more straightforward

Choosing the Right Source (2) Is the information relevant to my topic? Can you see any of your keywords in the text? Is the text helping you to learn more about your topic? Is the information credible? Can you trust this information? Have you found similar information from another source? If not, then leave aside or check again

Note Taking (1) To be a good researcher involves: Reading a text – asking questions What is this about? What do I need to remember? Understanding the text If you don’t understand the text, then look for an alternative Do I really need this information? Staying on task

Note Taking (2) How do I make notes? Read the passage of information right through Check you understand it Decide which are the important points Make bullet points of the main ideas as you go along Don’t overload yourself with too much information Note your sources as you go!

Note Taking (3) Now go back to your spider diagram or keywords Have you got notes for each of your keywords? If you have, then sort your notes according to which keyword they come under (Some people find it helpful to have a separate sheet of notes for each keyword) Do you have enough information? If not then go back to your texts or find another source to use If you think you have enough then you’re ready to write up your notes

Writing Up an Essay or Project (1) You’ve finished your research, you’re now ready to write up your notes. Put away the original sources Refer only to your notes Use your own words Write in sentences Don’t forget your bibliography!

Writing Up an Essay or Project (2) Final steps: Print off your essay Now proof read your essay Spellcheckers don’t pick up every spelling error and sometimes substitute the wrong word Does the essay/ project read well Is it in the correct order Add your bibliography or source list

Bibliography or Source List Now you’re finished, add your bibliography or source list in the format as shown below: Books: Acred, C (ed), Eating Disorders, Independence, 2013 Firth, L (ed), Understanding Eating Disorders, Independence, 2010 Warbrick, C, Eating Disorders and Body Image, Wayland, 2008 Websites: http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/eating-problems/#.VVIMj45VhHw http://www.nbp-eating-disorders.co.uk/what_are_eating_disorders.html

Plagiarism Plagiarism is Stealing or borrowing from the writings or ideas of someone else without permission From: Chambers School Dictionary, Chambers Harrap, 2009 Includes Copying from books Copying and pasting from the Internet Pictures or graphs You must credit the author of anything that you include in your essay/project that is not your original work.