The Paly Library Research
Research is a complex process that requires imagination, understanding, time management, organization, and collaboration. There is usually frustration involved as well, but feelings of being overwhelmed can be limited when students do the following:
- Ask questions to clarify a topic and to understand each part of the assignment.
- When is it due?
- How do I find and use the appropriate resources?
- Are some types of resources required and some prohibited?
- How much time do I have to complete the assignment?
- Think about a research plan that includes PLENTY OF TIME to gather appropriate resources, take notes, understand and use information.
- Create an organization system to keep track of notes and resources. (Folders and index cards work great, or use the notecard and outline functions on Noodletools.)
- Visit the library to ask advice and get help gathering resources.
Academic research usually requires a works cited page at the end of a project that tells readers where and in some cases when you found your information. It's always a good idea to check with your teacher to see what is required on a works cited page. In fact the first rule of research is to understand your assignment, so if you have questions ASK.
Use the citation guide provided by your teacher or create works cited lists using NoodleTools, a subscription-based citation generator found on the Web for writing MLA and APA works cited lists. Read this handout for more informaiton about signing up for a Noodletools account and using Noodletools to take notes and make outlines. Email the librarain for login and password information and then set up your own account. THIS IS A VERY USEFUL TOOL.
There are many free citation tools available as well, but you won't find all the citation formulas using these tools. Check out the Citation Machine for very simple citations and Easybib for more complicated ones. The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers 7th Edition is available at the circulation desk.
For more information about citation standards in major research areas go to dianahaker.com .
It is against Paly's Academic Honesty Policy to steal other people's ideas or use them without giving them credit (plagiarism). When taking notes keep your own ideas separate from those you summarize (paraphrase) and put quotation marks around language written directly from another source. Always record your sources on your notes or notecards. For more research tips link to these resources:
- CRLS Research Guide.
- Internet Public Library Teen Space Research and Writing Tips
- Online Writing Lab (The OWL at Purdue University)
- Outline Making Tool
Last Updated October 28, 2009