How to get it straight and simple The Research Cycle How to get it straight and simple Sandra Botha sandrabotha@yahoo.com Learners are sometimes completely bewildered by all the information available nowadays and have no clue as to how to start their research. This presentation aims to simplify research and show learners how to go about it in a logical way.

The Research Cycle Questions Planning Gathering Sorting and Sifting Synthesizing Evaluate Report

Questioning?? Questions must involve: Problem-solving Decision-making Eg. How can poaching of perlemoen be stopped? Should new perlemoen farms be started? First ask yourself relevant questions eg. Why did it happen? How can it be prevented? Where can a solution be found?

Where will we find the best information? Planning Where will we find the best information? Which sources will provide the best insight? Which resources are reliable? How will we sort, sift and store our findings? This is VERY important. If you are working in a team, all the team members should give input and be part of this process. Everybody must be clear on their individual task.

Gather information that is relevant and useful. Gathering Gather information that is relevant and useful. Be careful of Info-glut! Do not rely on Internet alone. Use books and CD-Roms as well. Be careful of gathering too much information. Stick to the guidelines decided upon during the planning session. Always keep the main question in mind.

Look for data that will contribute to insight. Sorting and Sifting Look for data that will contribute to insight. Ah Ha!! Keep your questions in mind. Data must provide answers to these questions.

Arrange information until a pattern or solution is found Synthesizing Arrange information until a pattern or solution is found Information must now be grouped and slotted under headings. Make sure that your original questions are answered.

Check if more research is needed before proceeding Evaluate Check if more research is needed before proceeding You now have all your information. Again check if the original questions have been answered. If not, you might have to gather more information.

In an oral presentation (a 2-minute presentation) Reporting Report your findings In written form In an oral presentation (a 2-minute presentation) Your written report will be full length as per your instructions. The oral presentation will be a brief summary highlighting the most important aspects eg. The question, How to rectify the problem, The solution.