Research Skills
Research skills help you find, evaluate, and use information from a variety of sources to answer questions and build knowledge.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Good researchers use a variety of sources: books, websites, encyclopaedias, and interviews
Evaluating a source means checking whether it is reliable, accurate, and up to date
Taking notes in your own words helps you understand and remember information
Citing sources means recording where your information came from to acknowledge the original author
Key Vocabulary
Research
The process of finding, gathering, and analysing information about a topic
Source
A place where information comes from — such as a book, website, or expert
Reliable source
A source that is trustworthy, accurate, and written by someone with knowledge of the topic
Citation
A reference that tells the reader where a piece of information came from
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
Which of these is the most reliable source for a report about koalas?
Question 2
Why should you take notes in your own words when researching?
Question 3
What is the purpose of citing your sources?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Good researchers use a variety of sources: books, websites, encyclopaedias, and interviews
- ●Evaluating a source means checking whether it is reliable, accurate, and up to date
- ●Taking notes in your own words helps you understand and remember information
- ●Citing sources means recording where your information came from to acknowledge the original author