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 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.