Elizabeth Baker

What Do I Do with all this

Stuff?How to Use your

Research Information

EffectivelyCarteret

Community College Library

How Do I Get Started?

• Read the magazine, journal, or newspaper article.

• Use the book’s table of contents or index to locate information quickly. Read the page or chapter.

While reading, ask yourself:

– What is the purpose of the article, page, or chapter?

– What is the author’s main point?

– What are the most important issues or questions that he/she raises?

– Do you agree or disagree with the author’s conclusion or point of view?

• Begin taking notes.

• Organize your information from specific to general or from abstract to concrete.

• Create an outline.

• Begin writing your research paper.

How Do I Take Notes?

• Record the title, author, publisher, publication date, and page number(s).

• Skim the material again.

• Look at any charts, graphs, or illustrations.

• Locate the main ideas and list them.

• Begin to record the supporting facts.

Some key points to remember:

– Do not copy information straight from the article or book.

– Put quotation marks around any direct quotes to avoid plagiarism.

– Remember to summarize or paraphrase the information.

– Use the dictionary to define any words that you do not recognize.

Why Should I Make an Outline?

• To organize your thinking.

• To eliminate any information or ideas that do not support your topic.

• To guide the flow of your paper.

• To mark when you have reached the end of your writing.

Outline Example #1I. Introduction

a. Introduction to topicb. Thesis Statement

II. Body of Papera. Main Idea

i. Supporting factii. Supporting factiii. Supporting fact

b. Main Ideai. Supporting factii. Supporting factiii. Supporting fact

III. Conclusiona. Summarize findingsb. State Conclusion(s)

How Do I Synthesize Information?• Summarize

• Paraphrase

• Quote

How Do I Summarize?

• Read the entire passage.

• Determine the author’s main points.

• Use this information in your paper or project.

• Provide the proper citation.

How Do I Paraphrase?

• Read the entire passage.

• Convert the author’s words into your own words.

• Use all the information in your paper or project.

• Provide the proper citation.

How Do I Quote?

• Read the entire passage.

• Record the author’s words exactly as written in your paper or project.

• Enclose the sentence or passage in quotation marks.

• Provide the proper citation.

Rules for Using Quotations

Use a direct quotation if:

• The author’s original words are noteworthy, unusual, or powerful.

• You intend to analyze the information contained in the passage.

• You do not want the author’s message to be misunderstood.

• Quotations cannot stand alone and must be accompanied by your original words.

Include your own commentary, analysis, and reaction.

• Vary the way that you use quotations.

One or two words, a single sentence, or an entire passage or paragraph.

Rules for Using Quotations

Good Luck!

If you need any additional help, please see a member of the library staff!