Research Skills Chapter Notes | Language Arts for Grade 11 PDF Download

Introduction

Research skills allow you to find information and use it effectively; it includes creating a strategy to gather facts and reach conclusions so that you can answer a question

Top tips

• Think about your topic: Don’t be too vague or too specific (try mind mapping or keyword searching)
• Read broadly around your subject: Don’t just rely on Google and Wikipedia; consider research question that is clearly structured and builds on literature already produced
• Find information using the subject databases: View the Database Orientation Program to learn about databases and using search strategies to refine your search and limit results. View our library tutorial on planning your literature search and look at our library subject guides for resources on your specific topic
• Another good starting point for finding information is our Library catalogue Library Search which allows you to search across the library’s electronic resources as well as major subject databases and indexes
• Carry out a literature review: You may want to include journals, books, websites, grey literature or oral histories and statistics.
  • For example: See the list of sources below for more information. Keep a record and cite your references and sources. If you are intending to carry out a systematic review then take notes at the systematic review page on Research Support library guide
• Evaluate your sources: Use the CRAAP test (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose – watch the video, top right)

Reach considered conclusions and make recommendations where necessary:

Why do I need research skills?

• They help you to locate suitable information and assess its quality and relevance.
• They permit you to effectively utilize information to address a problem.
• They provide you with the capacity to synthesize and express your ideas in both written and spoken forms.
• They encourage critical thinking.
• They are highly adaptable and can be applied to various environments, including the workplace.