The Research Process
The internet has made the research process seem deceptively easy. Just Google it and you'll be fine, right? Wikipedia is certainly a great source, isn't it?
Good solid research skills are critical now more than ever. With the tsunami of information that's returned with most Google searches and the prominence of Wikipedia as the first result returned, students need the skills to determine what information is credible, what sources can be trusted and how to locate, use and synthesize scholarly, peer-reviewed resources and information.
To this end, Mrs. Costelloe partners with classroom teachers in all disciplines to co-teach the research process and ensure that our students embed that process within the context of authentic projects at all grade levels. The goal is to help our students become efficient, effective and ethical researchers. A skill they will need in both college and life.
Topics covered as Mrs. Costelloe works with students embarking on research projects include:
Small group and one-on-one teaching sessions are always available to any students in need of additional support.
Link to Rye Neck Online Databases
Good solid research skills are critical now more than ever. With the tsunami of information that's returned with most Google searches and the prominence of Wikipedia as the first result returned, students need the skills to determine what information is credible, what sources can be trusted and how to locate, use and synthesize scholarly, peer-reviewed resources and information.
To this end, Mrs. Costelloe partners with classroom teachers in all disciplines to co-teach the research process and ensure that our students embed that process within the context of authentic projects at all grade levels. The goal is to help our students become efficient, effective and ethical researchers. A skill they will need in both college and life.
Topics covered as Mrs. Costelloe works with students embarking on research projects include:
- The use of NoodleTools to organize the research process (more info on NoodleTools below)
- Narrowing and focusing a topic
- Creating a thesis statement
- Developing keywords for searching
- Boolean searching
- The use of databases in the search process
- Website evaluation using the C.R.A.A.P. test (see below)
- Properly citing sources
- Paraphrasing, recognizing patterns and identifying "big ideas"
Small group and one-on-one teaching sessions are always available to any students in need of additional support.
Link to Rye Neck Online Databases
NoodleTools
NoodleTools is an online research platform, which is seamlessly integrated with a student's Google account. NoodleTools helps students stay organized as they create digital note cards capturing important information and linking that info with their source. Tagging, color-coding and reorganizing note cards on a virtual table top promote flexible thinking and encourage learners to make their way to bigger ideas. Moving through the research process from collecting pertinent information on note cards, to synthesizing that information, to creating an outline and eventually a paper has become more fluid. Projects are digitally shared with the teacher, allowing the teacher to stay abreast of a student's progress and movement through the research process, providing real time support.
- Click here to see NoodleTools in action
- Click here for a video on how to link your NoodleTools account to your Google sign in.
- Need a quick citation? Use NoodleTools Express.
Citations
Rye Neck students typically use the MLA Citation Format and Style.
All databases provide MLA citations, and NoodleTools helps students create and manage citations for both their Bibliography and Works Cited pages.
If further information on MLA Format and Style is needed, Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) is a trusted source.
All databases provide MLA citations, and NoodleTools helps students create and manage citations for both their Bibliography and Works Cited pages.
If further information on MLA Format and Style is needed, Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) is a trusted source.
The CRAAP Test to Evaluate Online Sources
We can't trust everything we find on the Internet. But how do we determine which sites have the authority to be trusted and useful? You'll have to put a site through the C.R.A.A.P. test to make that assessment.
Click here for a PDF on Applying the C.R.A.A.P. Test
Currency - Is the information recent enough for your topic?
- When was it posted?
- Is that recent enough? Do you need news or history?
- Is it updated regularly?
- Are the links functional?
Relevance - Does this information meet your research needs?
- Does the information relate to your topic, or assist you in arguing for or against a
- Have you looked at a variety of sources and determined this is the best match?
- Is it an appropriate level?
- Is it in-depth enough to cover your research needs, but not beyond your comprehension?
- Who is the intended audience?
Authority - Who wrote, published or endorsed the information and should we trust them?
- What credentials or expertise does the author/publisher/source/sponsor have?
- Is the author qualified to write or speak on this topic?
- Is contact information given?
- Does the url extension provide any insight (i.e. .com, .gov, .edu and .org)?
Accuracy - How reliable is the source’s content?
- Is it peer reviewed, refereed or critiqued?
- Is the information supported by evidence with sources cited?
- Can the information be verified on another reliable source?
- Does it appear reliable, free of typos, spelling or grammar errors?
Purpose - What is the author’s intent?
- Is the author trying to sell me a product or an idea?
- Is it possible that this was created to satirize or entertain?
- Does the information and tone appear impartial and objective, or are there political,ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases that are evident?
- Does the presence of advertising suggest bias?
- Do the authors or sponsors make their purpose clear?