Song library

Research

DEFINITION: In the broadest sense of the word, the definition of research incorporates any collecting of data, information and facts in order to gain knowledge. A research paper states the outcome of your investigations on a specific topic. It is uniquely you because it is based on your own thoughts and the facts and ideas you have gathered from a variety of sources. The practice of gathering, deciphering, and recording data, developing and arranging ideas and conclusions, and communicating them clearly will be an essential and satisfying experience in your education. HOW TO: Step 1 – Define - what is the problem I have to resolve? o Is information for an essay, a report, or a speech? o When is it due? Give yourself sufficient amount of time. o What’s my topic? Your goal should be to end up with a topic that’s not too extensive or too narrow and there is enough material available on it. o At present, what do I already know about the topic? Do you know anything that might help you define the main ideas and the key words for this topic? o What more do I have to research? You will need to locate as much information as possible on the topic as you can from reliable sources. Step 2 - Locate – how do I track down the information I require? o Use the greatest resources from an assortment y of sources o Books, Encyclopedias, Magazines, Videos, Internet, People and Organizations Step 3 – Select the resources that will be the most relevant use? Keep track of the sources of information for your bibliography – this step is imperative – write down all your sources as you use them. This will save you time at the end of your assignment. Step 4 – Organize – how can I use my information in the best way and do I have enough? Do I need to use every piece of the information I have gathered? How can I best combine information from different sources? Some formats provide information in more fitting ways than others, depending on what sort of assignment you have. Have I used correct spelling and grammar? Step 5 – Present – how can I best present the information? o Is my presentation logical and well organized? o Have I completed the assignment? o Have I utilized my own ideas and opinions and credited ideas from others? o Is the presentation suitable for my audience? Step 6 – Assess the final assignment by asking how well did I complete the assignment? o What knowledge did I gain? o What area can I approve? - searching, selecting, note taking, time management? o Who do I need to enlist or help? Step 7 How to get to the Library Catalogue and Electronic Resources o The Library catalogue lists everything that the Library has in its collection from books to magazines, CDs and DVDs. To find what you need you can search by author, title and subject. o You can pay for an Electronic Resource or database by paying a subscription and usually focus on a particular subject like health or literature, science or literature. Some concentrate on current affairs and some are general encyclopedias – all the information contained in them is dependable. o You can get some useful information on the internet but you have to make sure that the information you are looking at is accurate, reliable and current. Everyday Use: Research is used every day in homework, doing a project, writing a paper, or even if you just want to figure something out.