| Big
Six Research Model
What is the Big Six* Research
Model? It is six easy steps to a great
research project! Have you ever been confused
about how to complete an assignment? What does your
teacher want you to do? Where will you find the information?
How will you know if you have done a good job? These
are all very good questions to ask yourself before
you begin an assignment. This research model will
help you be successful as you go from the beginning
of the assignment to the end. Let's look at these
six easy steps.
Step 1. Task Definition
What are you supposed to do? Listen carefully as your
teacher explains the assignment and then try to put
the instructions into your own words. What special
requirements are there to this assignment? Do you
need a picture? How long should it be? Will you be
required to do a PowerPoint presentation? A speech?
Step
2. Information Seeking Strategies
What are the possible sources
of information that you can use? Print sources? Online
resources - databases and/or web sites? Human resources
such as an expert in the field? Prioritize these sources.
Select the best resource to begin your research.
Step
3. Location and Access
Where are these sources located?
Do you know how to use them? Most of your best print
and online resources can be found in your school library.
Your school librarian can help you find the information
you need within these sources.
Step
4. Use of Information
This is the step that you usually think of when you
think of "research." In this step you will
read, take notes, make copies, highlight important
facts, and record and evaluate the information you
find. Be careful if you are using the Internet. Did
your teacher recommend the web site you are using?
If not, be sure to evaluate
the web site before you take any information from
it.
Step
5. Synthesis
In this step you will organize all of your information
into the final product. Take another look at step
one so you know exactly what you are supposed to do.
Be sure to cite all of your sources.
Step
6. Evaluation
Evaluate your final product. Does it answer all of
the questions outlined in Step 1? Evaluate your research
process. Take some time to think about how you did
your research. What worked? What didn't?
Click
here to print a student  to help you organize your assignment according to
the Big6 research model. Use your browser's back button
to return to this page. For more information about
the Big6 visit the Big6
home page.
*The
descriptions, text, and images of the Big6™
, Big6™ Skills, Big6™ process,
and Big6™ curriculum are copyrighted by
Eisenberg, Berkowitz, 1987. Permission is granted
for non-commercial use in educational settings. |
