By now, you should have completed some brainstorming, chosen a research topic, and prepared a list of headings. Now it’s time to start conducting research. You’re most likely to consult Google to start looking for information. That’s a good place to start, but don’t forget to ensure that the material you consult is relevant and reliable, and make sure you take advantage of Google’s more advanced search features to find what you’re looking for.
You must consult a minimum of five different reputable sources to gather the information you need for your research report. Use your research questions to guide you in your search.
Here’s an example of what an entry might look like:
| Source (Cite using APA format):
Get Help – Middlesex-London Health Unit. (2013, January 1). Get Help – Middlesex-London Health Unit. Retrieved May 23, 2014, from https://www.healthunit.com/get-help-now |
| What It Says (don’t forget page number if available) |
What I Think |
“Talk to your doctor about:
- how much you are drinking or using drugs
- ways to reduce your risks
- what resources may be available to you in your community”
“Contact Connex Ontario (1-800-565-8603) for help with alcohol and other drugs. Free. Confidential. Anonymous. You can talk to a live operator 24 hours a day who can connect you with programs in your community.”
no page number available. |
This provides really useful local information and would fit well under my “How to Get Help” heading.
There’s also a survey on this page that helps a person identify risks related to drinking habits and some of this information might be helpful.
I think this is a reliable source because it is created by a municipal health unit and you can easily find their contact information. The information has been updated fairly recently as well. |
Before submitting your notes, make sure you’ve met the following criteria:
- I have properly cited each source using APA formatting;
- I have cited at least 5 different sources;
- I have included specific pieces of information that I learned from each source;
- I put quotation marks around any phrases/sentences taken directly from the source;
- I have explained how I think I might use this information;
- I’ve explained how I know whether a source seems reliable or not;
- I have added any questions I might have about this information.
Research_Notes
Once you’ve gathered your research, prepare an outline of your research report to submit to your teacher for approval. Your outline must include all the headings and subheadings you plan on using, including a brief explanation of what information each heading and subheading will contain. You will need to include at least one graphic in your report so make sure you indicate where you plan on doing this.
Refer to the following checklist to make sure you’ve met the criteria for this assignment:
- I have listed all my headings and subheadings in the order they will appear in the report;
- I have provided a point-form explanation of what information I plan to use under each heading and subheading of the report;
- I have indicated at least one place where I plan to present information as a graphic.
