Let’s Research!

The Big6 – Six Steps to Solve Problems by Using Information

1. Task Definition
   • Define your problem or question
   • “What do I need to do?”
2. Information Seeking Strategies
   • Think of all sources of information you can use (make a list)
   • “Where can I get information from?”
3. Location & Access
   • Locate your sources, then find your information in the source
   • “Where is the information that I need?”
4. Use of Information
   • Start reading, printing, taking notes for relevant information
   • “What information can I use?”
5. Synthesis
   • Put together the information you’ve gathered
   • “What can I make to finish the job?”
6. Evaluation
   • Evaluate how well you did. What could you do differently next time?
   • “How will I know if I did my job well?”

The Research Cycle

1. Question
   • Identify and list the questions you need to explore
2. Plan
   • Develop a strategy to find pertinent information rapidly
3. Gather
   • Harvest information which casts light on the key questions
4. Sort, Sift and Analyze
   • Rearrange the puzzle pieces, looking for patterns
5. Synthesize
   • Make sense of the puzzle pieces – getting the picture
6. Evaluate
   • Figure out what’s missing, what else is needed
7. Report
   • Share insights persuasively

SUCCEED

• S: Select and focus topic and information needs.
• U: Uncover potential sources of information. Learn how to access them.
• C: Collect, examine, and select suitable resources.
• C: Compile relevant information from selected sources.
• E: Evaluate, interpret, analyze, and synthesize the information.
• E: Establish and prepare an appropriate format and present the information.
• D: Determine the effectiveness of the whole process.