Researching

Need to do some research, eh? Well, we've got you!

Remember that you can stop by the library at anytime to ask Mr. Dixon questions or get some help.

We can also get you just about any book you may need. Inquire with Mr. Dixon about interlibrary loan. Or try finding an eBook in EBSCO Discovery.

Researching can be hard. No doubt. Please remember that it requires two primary skills as you develop other skills: patience and mental flexibility.

We all get frustrated by research sometimes. That's okay. Remember to be patient. The first results may not be the best. In fact, most professional researchers skim the first page of results and head to the second page. So don't worry. Be patient. Take your time.

Research also requires you to think with flexibility. When you can't seem to find the results you want, you need to adjust things. Play with your search. Try some new search terms. As you dig into your research, you may find new tidbits--names and places and events. Try searching for those. When "World War Two" seems like too much, narrow it down and try searching for "Pont du Hoc" or "Battle of the Bulge"; try changing your filters or use quotes around your search.

And remeber to use your resources. Ask Mr. Dixon or your teacher for help. That's what we're here for!

Check the Prebunking and information pollution pages to learn more about these attempts to manipulate you. Also check out the Lateral Research and Fact Checking page and the Analzying Resources Using SIFT pages to learn more about some better research skills that professional fact checkers use.