How to do research

Wheelock Research Guide | Research Models, How to Do Research, and How to Write a Paper | Plagiarism Resources | How to Recognize a Quality Website | Logs and Planners

Research Models, How to Do Research, and How to Write a Paper

A+ Research and Writing Step by Step
From Internet Public Library

Assignment Calculator - University of Minnesota
Many links are specific to University of Minnesota or not working, but the calculator can help you map out your assignments for the semester.

Big6 Resources
This site outlines the steps in the Big 6 model of researching and provides links to help you carry out each of those steps.

See also:
Big 6 Research Paper Organizer
This site is provides a form for you to fill out to organize the steps of your research according to the Big 6 model. (It was developed for a particular school so some references in the document won't be relevant.)

Critical Writing and Thinking – The Writing Center at Brown University
Includes “11 Useful Things to do When Writing a Paper” as well as concise information on thinking and writing.

Methods of Research – Ithaca College Library
Has a nice flowchart of a search strategy, a section on evaluating sources, and a section on citation.

The Research Cycle
“The Research Cycle differs from some models in its very strong focus upon essential questions and subsidiary questions early in the process… The Research Cycle puts students in the role of information producers.” (From the site)

Words Faculty Say They Never Want to See Again – Amherst College Writing Center
“In January 1998, Writing Fellow Sarah Pearcy '97 sent out a survey to the faculty and requested that they list the words that they NEVER want to see again on student papers. Not surprisingly, the response was tremendous... Here is the list in its unabridged form. Keep in mind that this list is not finite, nor is it authoritative; it is simply meant to provoke thought, or possibly remind students to avoid tired, obnoxious, and vague old words.” (From the site)

Writing an Annotated Bibliography
This guide to writing an annotated bibliography is from Roger Williams University Library.

to top
 

Plagiarism Resources

Plagiarism: What It is and How to Recognize and Avoid it
Helpful information about plagiarism from Indiana Univeristy, Bloomington.

to top
 

How to Recognize a Quality Website

Evaluating Criteria from "The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly: Why It's A Good Idea to Evaluate Web Sources"
From the New Mexico State University Library, an outline of evaluation criteria for Web sources, with excellent examples.

Evaluating Web Information
From the University Libraries at Virginia Tech: an interactive module offers advice on how to evaluate Web resources.

Evaluating Web Pages: Techniques to Apply & Questions to Ask
From UC Berkeley, an online tutorial on how to evaluate resources found on the Web.

to top

Logs and Planners

A research log is simply a record of what and where you’ve searched and your results. It can help you keep track of and organize your research. Try the research log below, or create your own version.

Wheelock College Library Research Log Download and print our research log to help you with your next assignment.

Project Planner (pdf - from the Office of Academic Advising and Assistance)

Assignment Calculator
The University of Minnesota's Assignment Calculator can help you plan out the timeframe for your next research project.

to top