Getting Started

Getting Started 2: How to Research Complex Topics

This activity helps you develop strategies for researching complex topics on the web and for evaluating and organizing your findings.

1. Choose one of the following complex topics to research:

• Global Warming: Viewpoints

• Should Whaling Be Abolished?

• The Role of the Tea Ceremony in Japanese Culture

2. Review the page "How to research complex topics." (http://www.nueva.pvt.k12.ca.us/ ~debbie/library/research/advice.html)

3. Generate a list of terms or phrases that may lead you to relevant information. Brainstorm as many key words and concepts as you can.

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4. Begin to develop your research plan by brainstorming sources of information.

a. What people or organizations might assist your research?

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c. What other places might you look for information or ideas?

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5. Choose a search engine(s) to conduct online research. You may want to review the pages on how to choose a search engine, developing variety and depth of research and performing precise searches. What search engine(s) have you chosen?

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6. Gather information about your topic from at least 7 online sources. After completing your research, develop criteria to judge the relevance of your sources. Then, rank the sources, with #1 being the most relevance.

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