Welcome to Jackson-Reed High School Library: Research Methods

Research is more than just finding information online—it’s a systematic way to gather, evaluate, and present data or ideas. Here's how you can approach it:

• Step 1: Define Your Topic
  Start with a clear research question or problem. Make sure it's neither too broad nor too narrow.

• Step 2: Background Reading
  Begin by reading general information on your topic from reliable sources. Encyclopedias, textbooks, and introductory articles can help you get an overview.

• Step 3: Narrow Your Focus
  After background reading, refine your topic. For example, "climate change" is broad, but "the impact of climate change on coastal cities" is more specific.

Organize your notes as you go to avoid information overload.

• Digital Tools
  Use tools like Google Docs, Evernote, or OneNote to organize your research. Use headings, tags, or folders to sort information.

• Citation Management
  Tools like EasyBib, Zotero, and Citation Machine help you keep track of sources and generate citations in the correct format.

Not all sources are created equal. Learn to evaluate whether a source is trustworthy.

• Primary vs. Secondary Sources

  • Primary Sources: First-hand accounts, original documents, interviews, or experiments. Examples include diaries, research studies, or historical records.
  • Secondary Sources: Interpretations or analyses based on primary sources, like reviews, essays, or documentaries.

• Evaluating Credibility

  • Author: Who wrote it? Are they an expert in the field?
  • Date: Is the information current?
  • Publisher: Was it published by a reputable institution, like a university or a government agency?
  • Bias: Is the source objective, or does it have a clear agenda?

Always credit the original authors for their work. Plagiarism is taking someone else’s work or ideas and passing them off as your own. Avoid it by:

• Paraphrasing: Summarize the ideas in your own words.
• Quoting: Use the exact words from a source, with quotation marks and proper citation.
• Citing: Always include citations for both paraphrased and quoted material.

While Google is useful, academic databases can provide more authoritative and peer-reviewed sources.

• Jackson-Reed Database Access
  The library offers access to databases such as JSTOR, ProQuest, and Gale. Use these for high-quality research articles and papers.

• Search Tips

  • Use keywords and Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to refine your search.
  • Filter results by date to find the most recent research.

Once you've gathered information, it’s time to start writing.

• Structure
  A well-organized paper typically includes:

  • Introduction: Introduce your topic and research question.
  • Body: Present your evidence and arguments, structured logically.
  • Conclusion: Summarize your findings and discuss their implications.

• Revising
  After your first draft, revise for clarity, coherence, and accuracy. Don’t hesitate to ask a teacher or librarian for feedback.