Find What You
Need Fast: Seven Tips for Efficient Researching
A large research project can be overwhelming, but there are
techniques that you can use to make your project more manageable. You simply
need to start with a specific plan, and focus on effective search techniques
that take advantage of all available resources. By working smarter rather than
harder, you will not only finish your project more quickly, but you will also
acquire higher quality information than you would be able to find through hours
of unfocused researching. Follow the tips below to increase your efficiency and
improve the quality of your work.
Try to Start with Broad Overviews
The best way to understand a topic is to start your research by reading
a general overview. This will help you to focus your research question, lead
you to valuable sources and give you context for understanding your topic. High
school students and students in introductory courses can consider beginning a
research project by reading encyclopedia articles. Students doing more advanced
or specialized research should look for review articles in appropriate
journals. In addition to helping you understand your subject, the resources
section of an encyclopedia article or the extensive bibliography of a review
article will provide you with quality sources on your informative
topics without the need to search for them. This can save you hours of
needless work.
Formulate Questions
Formulate Questions
If you go to the library or perform a computer search in order to
research a large topic, like the American Revolution or genetic theory, you
will be quickly overwhelmed. For this reason, you should formulate specific,
focused questions to answer. By asking yourself how England’s involvement with
other European powers influenced the American Revolution or how imaging
techniques contributed to the development of genetic theory, for example, you
will be able to focus your research and save yourself time.
Have a Plan
Before you start your research, have a goal in mind, and make a
plan for reaching this goal. If you just go poking around the internet or the
library, you are unlikely to get much accomplished. Instead of searching
blindly, focus on answering the specific questions you have formulated,
locating a certain number of resources, getting a broad overview of your topic
or some other specific goal. Setting small, achievable goals will make your
task less overwhelming and easier to complete.
Take Notes
Many students gather sources by collecting books, articles and
lists of bookmarks without reading or even skimming them until the project
deadline looms. This creates a time crunch. To avoid this situation, spend time
taking notes in a notebook, on note cards or on your computer. As you research,
jot down applicable information from your sources, and note where this
information is located. By taking notes as you go, you will be better able to
gauge how much more research is necessary. You will also make writing your
paper, preparing your presentation or completing your project a quicker and
simpler undertaking.
Master Google Searches
Google is a search engine with many powerful features that allow
you to find what you want quickly. Unfortunately, many students are unaware of
these features, so they spend needless hours wading through pages of irrelevant
search results. By spending a few minutes on Google’s tips pages, you can learn
how to get the most out of internet searching.
Take Advantage of Top Lists
Most university and regional libraries have various
subject-specific lists of resources on their web pages. These are
well-organized, comprehensive listings of quality sources from each library’s
specific collection of databases and e-resources, and they cover a large
variety of topics. Rather than spending your time wading through substandard
resources, peruse the lists offered by your library, and save yourself some
time.
Ask a Librarian for Help
Reference librarians can help you find what you need quickly and teach you
research tricks that will help you on your current project in addition to
future projects. By asking for help, you can save yourself time and
frustration. Even if you cannot go to the physical library, most libraries also
offer consultations over the phone, by e-mail or through virtual chat
platforms.
Source | https://www.techbullion.com/
Regards
Mr. Pralhad Jadhav
Master of Library & Information
Science (NET Qualified)
Research Scholar (IGNOU)
Senior Manager @ Knowledge
Repository
Khaitan & Co
Twitter Handle | @Pralhad161978
Mobile @ 9665911593
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