Randy D. Ralph, MLIS, Ph.D.Media Coordinator

Simon G. Atkins A & T High SchoolWinston-Salem, NC

The Big6 Research Methodis made up of six

common-sense steps.

1.Task Definition

1.Task Definition2. Information Seeking

Strategies

1.Task Definition2. Information Seeking

Strategies3.Location and Access

1.Task Definition2. Information Seeking

Strategies3.Location and Access4.Use of Information

1.Task Definition2. Information Seeking

Strategies3.Location and Access4.Use of Information 5.Synthesis

1.Task Definition2. Information Seeking

Strategies3.Location and Access4.Use of Information 5.Synthesis 6.Evaluation

Let’s take a look at these 6 steps in more detail

one at a time.

1.Task Definition1.1 State the research

problem.

Stating the Research Problem

What is the the essential question

you’re trying to answer?

What supporting questions might help you gather

information?

Stating the Research Problem

Are there any supporting questions that you can

think of that would answer part of the essential

question?

Idea Mapping Can Help

EXTINCTIONLEVEL

EVENTS

Warfare?Objects from

space?

Volcanoes?

Earthquakes?Floods or ice?

How dothey

happen?

Can they beprevented?

When did theyhappen?

What are they?

Will there bea next one?

1.Task Definition1.1 State the research

problem.

1.2 Identify what you need.

Figuring Out What You Need

What is the main purpose of your research?

What do you already know?

What do you think you might need to know?

2. Information Seeking Strategies. 2.1 Find information

sources you can use.

2.2 Determine which are best for your needs.

3.Location and Access. 3.1 Locate resources for

finding information.

3.2 Search for informationin those resources.

4.Use of Information. 4.1 Review the information

found.

4.2 Extract what is relevantto your needs.

5.Synthesis. 5.1 Organize the

information you have found.

5.2 Present the information you have

found.

6.Evaluation. 6.1 Reflect on and judge

what you have done.

6.2 Determine what you did well and what youmight have done better.

Thank You!

Questions?

The End