Lesson 1

What are the 5 steps of the research process?

1. Choose and refine your topic 2. Find and retrieve materials 3. Evaluate your success 4. Organize your information 5. Cite your sources

Great Way to Broaden or Narrow a Research Topic Search

Asking more questions

First Step of the Research Process

Create a detailed question about a topic

Encyclopedia

Resource you should consult for a relatively broad, unbiased overview of a subject

Subject-specific Encyclopedia

Resource you should consult for a relatively broad, unbiased overview of a subject in a specific field of study

Television and Video Recordings

Resource you should consult for original quotes, ideas, and video recordings

Periodical/trade Journals

Resource you should consult for original research, current and developing trends, and experts within a specific field

Biographical Resources

Resources you should consult for information about a specific individual or group of individuals

Social Media Websites

Resources you should consult for leads on current topics, developing trends, and subject matter experts

Statistical Sources

Resources you should consult for statistical information like "how many" and "how much"

Which of the following is the correct order of research process steps? a. Choose and refine your topic, find and retrieve materials, evaluate your sources, organize your information, cite your sources b. Organize your information, choose and refine your topic, find and retrieve materials, evaluate your sources, cite your sources c. Find and retrieve materials, choose and refine your topic, evaluate your sources, organize your information, cite your sources d. Choose and refine your topic, find and retrieve materials, organize your information, evaluate your sources, cite your sources

a

Which of the following would you consult when looking for information about a specific individual or groups of individuals? a. Biographical resources b. Textbook c. Encyclopedia d. Periodical publication

a

A/an _______ is used to organize information into a hierarchical structure, alphabetically, numerically, or thematically. a. almanac b. directory c. encyclopedia d. textbook

b

Once you have a clear understanding of your project's requirements and purpose, you can determine the a. research topic. b. scope of research. c. statistical methods. d. reference sources.

b

What's the first step in preparing to complete a research project? a. Evaluate your sources b. Choose and refine your topic c. Organize your information d. Find and retrieve materials

b

Which of the following is an example of a subject-specific encyclopedia? a. Current Biography Yearbook b. The Grolier Encyclopedia of Science and Technology c. Who's Who List d. World Book Encyclopedia

b

Which of the following would you consult if you were looking for original research, current and developing trends, and experts within a specific field? a. Social media b. Periodical/trade journal c. Statistical source d. Video recording

b

Which of the following would you consult if you were trying to answer questions like "how many" and "how much"? a. Social media b. Statistical source c. Video recording d. Periodical publication

b

_______ defines the set of skills needed to locate, evaluate, and use the information effectively. a. Research process b. Information literacy c. Information search d. Resource evaluation

b

Which of the following is a primary source? a. Literature review b. Diary c. Encyclopedia d. Annotated bibliography

b (Primary sources are original sources of information, written by those who had firsthand experience.)

Which of the following describes a secondary source? a. Unique perspective b. Hindsight perspective c. Objective perspective d. Inside perspective

b (Secondary sources have the advantage of hindsight and the perspective of an outside observer and may be more objective.)

To make the best of your efforts, which of the following questions should you ask before you begin a search for your research topic? a. What is the fastest way to complete this project? b. How many sources do I need? c. What are the requirements of my project? d. Where can I find a list of research topics?

c

Which of the following would you consult if you were looking for leads on current topics, developing trends, and subject matter experts? a. Statistical source b. Video recording c. Social media d. Periodical publication

c

Which of the following describes a primary source? a. Hindsight perspective b. Objective perspective c. Unique perspective d. Outside perspective

c (Primary sources contain information provided by someone who's been through an event. It's a firsthand account that lends a unique perspective.)

Which of the following is a secondary source? a. Interview b. Manuscript c. Textbook d. Image

c (Secondary sources are accounts of an event written after the event took place and include articles written after the original event, books, encyclopedias, literary criticism, and textbooks.)

Which of the following would you consult when looking for a relatively broad, unbiased overview of a subject? a. Textbook b. Periodical publication c. Social media d. Encyclopedia

d