Big6+Research+Process


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==The Big6 is an information problem-solving process that anyone can use. The Big6 is a set of skills that help you to find, and then effectively use information. It can be used whenever you need information to solve a problem, make a decision or complete a task.==

**1. Task Definition**

 * 1) What is the problem to be solved?
 * 2) What information is needed in order to solve the problem?
 * 3) What is required in an assignment?
 * 4) What is the order of tasks and the timeline required?


 * Examples of Task Definition:**
 * Create a flowchart of the problem-solving process taken to deal with a specific problem.
 * Compare the approach taken to complete daily math assignments with the Big6 Skills approach.
 * List the steps taken to complete homework; then compare them with the Big6 Skills.
 * List some of the opportunities to use information problem-solving.

**2. Information Seeking Strategies**

 * 1) What are all possible sources of information?
 * 2) What are the best of all the possibilities?
 * 3) What are alternative methods of acquiring information?


 * Information Seeking Examples: **
 * Brainstorm what sources should be used to find out about Elvis Presley.
 * Decide which Reference sources in the library are likely to provide information about sports personalities.
 * Inventory all the computer resources in the school
 * Evaluate the different possible resources to determine priorities
 * 1) decide whether to ask an expert or use a reference book or other source.
 * 2) decide whether it is OK to use an encyclopedia for an assignment.

**3. Location and Access**

 * 1) Where are these sources?
 * 2) Where is the information within each source?

>>
 * Location and Access Examples:**
 * Get a magazine article from the library, and turn to the correct page for the relevant article.
 * Go to the library and check out a book on a country.
 * Locate sources (intellectually and physically):
 * 1) find a particular book on the shelf.
 * 2) draw and label a map of the library.
 * Find Information within sources:
 * 1) look up an article in the World Book Encyclopedia.
 * 2) find an article on rock music using th Internet.

**4. Use of Information**

 * What information does the source provide?
 * What specific information is worth applying to the task?


 * Use of Information Examples:**
 * View a videotape on earthquakes and outline major points in your notes.
 * Examine the glossary in the back of a book to see if a term is included, and if so, write down the definition.
 * Engage the information in a source (read it, view it, hear it):
 * 1) scan a book to determine if it is useful.
 * 2) listen to an CD of a book (an audio book)
 * Extract information from a source:
 * 1) take notes on information for later use.

**5. Synthesis **
Synthesis is the restructuring or repackaging of information into new or different formats to meet the requirements of the task. Synthesis can be as simple as relaying a specific fact. Synthesis can be very complex involving several sources, a variety of media or presentation formats, and the effective communication of abstract ideas.
 * 1) How does the information from all sources fit together?
 * 2) How is the information best presented?


 * Synthesis Examples: **
 * Make an outline (using information from multiple sources) for a report.
 * Prepare a video about sports at your school.
 * Organize information from multiple sources by putting note cards (from multiple sources) in logical order
 * Present information by drawing and labeling a map of Africa

6. Evaluation
**Self evaluation: How effective and efficient were you when answering the questions and solving the problem?**
 * 1) Was the information problem solved?
 * 2) Was the information need met?
 * 3) Was the decision made?
 * 4) Was the situation resolved?
 * 5) Does the product satisfy the requirements og my teacher, as originally defined?
 * 6) What set of criteria can you use to make judgments?


 * Evaluation Examples:**
 * Decide whether or not an assignment is finished.
 * How effective is the product?
 * 1) How would you judge anti-smoking posters?
 * 2) Has the information need been met?
 * How efficient was the information problem-solving process:
 * 1) How do you rate your note-taking techniques?
 * 2) What would you do differently next time?

While the Big6 process is often presented in a stepwise fashion (Task Definition through Evaluation), people do not really work that way. Successful information problem-solving requires successful completion of each of the Big6 stages at some point in time; but individuals may jump around, branch off, or loop back. The emphasis is on developing competence in each of the Big6 areas, but not lock-step marching through the process.

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