Benchmark 4: Research
This Benchmark has many materials that you should use on an AS NEEDED basis located under B4 on the homepage of the IT site.
Benchmark Objectives (or, What IT wants you to gain from this process)
- Learn and refine research strategies that work for you and your group
- Discover, organize, and synthesize data from multiple perspectives to support thesis statements
Goals: (or, What you will need to complete to finish this Benchmark)
- Complete 40 notecards for each GQ
- Complete your MLA works cited
- Complete detailed research outline
- Develop thesis statements for each GQ and your SDQ
- Learn and refine research strategies that work for you and your group
- Discover, organize, and synthesize data from multiple perspectives to support thesis statements
Goals: (or, What you will need to complete to finish this Benchmark)
- Complete 40 notecards for each GQ
- Complete your MLA works cited
- Complete detailed research outline
- Develop thesis statements for each GQ and your SDQ
Note: From now on when you see the video camera icon on your right, it means there is an informational video you can watch. For B4, check out the "Instructional Videos" link located on the front page under B4, as well as at the end of this page.
Step 1) Create a plan:
Read this document and create a research plan that details your path for completion. This can take the form of a diagram or a list of steps. Work should be divided appropriately. (Take group members’ abilities into consideration.)
Read this document and create a research plan that details your path for completion. This can take the form of a diagram or a list of steps. Work should be divided appropriately. (Take group members’ abilities into consideration.)
- Sign off by one IT teacher -
Step 2) Get started with notecards:
Be sure you have created your Peer Review Checklist card. Next, make a GQ card for the question you’re about to answer. Then complete your first 10 notecards and have them signed off by a groupmate. Turn them in to the “Notecard Box” located in the MPR. (For this step you will need to read and understand the “Guidelines for WDIM Notecard Research” document.)
*Do the same as you complete your next 3 sets of 10 notecards for a minimum of 40 notecards*
Be sure you have created your Peer Review Checklist card. Next, make a GQ card for the question you’re about to answer. Then complete your first 10 notecards and have them signed off by a groupmate. Turn them in to the “Notecard Box” located in the MPR. (For this step you will need to read and understand the “Guidelines for WDIM Notecard Research” document.)
*Do the same as you complete your next 3 sets of 10 notecards for a minimum of 40 notecards*
- Sign off by groupmate and one IT teacher -
Step 3) Develop a Research Outline:
As you move through the research portion of this project you should add your findings to your Working Outline. When you approach completion of this document it will come to be called your Research Outline (shedding the “working” from its title and replacing it with the now-more-descriptive word “research”). This is a living document that you will rearrange as your research develops. Refer to the “How to Construct an Outline” document.
As you move through the research portion of this project you should add your findings to your Working Outline. When you approach completion of this document it will come to be called your Research Outline (shedding the “working” from its title and replacing it with the now-more-descriptive word “research”). This is a living document that you will rearrange as your research develops. Refer to the “How to Construct an Outline” document.
- Sign off by two IT teachers -
Step 4) Synthesize!
Develop thesis statements for each of your GQs, and then for your SDQ. Refer to the document called “Creating Thesis Statements.”
Develop thesis statements for each of your GQs, and then for your SDQ. Refer to the document called “Creating Thesis Statements.”
- Sign off by two IT teachers -
Step 5) Cite your sources:
Complete an MLA Works Cited document that includes each source. Refer to the MLA video for help.
Complete an MLA Works Cited document that includes each source. Refer to the MLA video for help.
- Sign off by one IT teacher -
What will my research sources be?
It is imperative that the sources you choose come from multiple perspectives
For each GQ you must include the following four types of research:
TED Talks OR Podcasts - Explore the TED Talk website and find a relevant video, or search for podcasts (Refer to the Podcast Suggestions document). These should analyze current research, or be by an expert in the field you are researching. During the video or podcast you will need to be an active notetaker. Record any information that may help answer your GQ
TED Talks OR Podcasts - Explore the TED Talk website and find a relevant video, or search for podcasts (Refer to the Podcast Suggestions document). These should analyze current research, or be by an expert in the field you are researching. During the video or podcast you will need to be an active notetaker. Record any information that may help answer your GQ
Current Event - Search news sources to discover what is happening NOW that relates to your GQ. Including a current event will help ground your research in relevant information that affects our lives daily. Refer to the Google Search video to discover how to find news sources through a variety of search methods.
Academic Papers -You will need to find one academic work for each GQ. This may take the form of a formal research report, article, or an excerpt from a relevant book. While academic works can be difficult to read, it is vital that you take the time to discover the findings of those who’ve researched before you. Refer to the Google Scholar video to understand how to locate and read academic paper.
Blog - Include a blog in your research to explore others’ opinions on your topic. While opinion pieces are not hard fact they can provide valuable insight and may help you develop your argument. Refer to the Google search video to discover how to find blogs through a variety of search methods.
For each GQ you must include one of the following types of primary research:
* For sources below submit a draft of your questions to IT for sign-off. Include a description of your survey sample or name and title of interviewee.
Surveys - Create and conduct a 4-6 question survey to gather data for your GQ. This is valuable tool for assesses the opinions or beliefs of a segment of the population. Who you choose to survey (and where you conduct your survey) will play a critical role in the results. Do you want the opinions of teens? Of adults? Does it matter if all your responses are from people who have high levels of education or if they are all male or all female? Think carefully about what you are trying to determine and survey a sample of the population that will help you arrive at that goal. Once you receive the results you’ll need to analyze your data and draw logical conclusions. Refer to the Survey video for guidance.
Interviews - Create and conduct a 3-5 question interview. Talking with someone who is familiar with the subject of your GQ, or who has a strong opinion about it, may offer valuable perspective. If the person you are interviewing has first hand experience related to your topic this could be a significant primary source. Be sure to write questions that elicit in depth answers. The interview should be recorded and saved as an audio file. (Record clips in 3 minute segments to ensure email-ability). A less desirable alternative is to conduct an email interview.
Interview with an Expert -Create and conduct a 3-5 question interview with an expert in a field that applies to your topic. You may discover experts through people you know or through the course of your research. Contact the possible interviewee (email, social media, or phone call), set up a time and date, draft your interview questions, and plan your meeting. Be sure to write questions that elicit in depth answers. The interview should be recorded and saved as an audio file. (Record clips in 3 minute segments to ensure email-ability). A less desirable alternative is to conduct an email interview.
Research Recap:
For each GQ your research must include multiple perspectives and a minimum of:
- 1 TED Talk, 1 Current Event, 1 Blog, 1 Academic Paper, and 1 type of primary research (survey, interview, or an interview with an expert)
Interview with an Expert -Create and conduct a 3-5 question interview with an expert in a field that applies to your topic. You may discover experts through people you know or through the course of your research. Contact the possible interviewee (email, social media, or phone call), set up a time and date, draft your interview questions, and plan your meeting. Be sure to write questions that elicit in depth answers. The interview should be recorded and saved as an audio file. (Record clips in 3 minute segments to ensure email-ability). A less desirable alternative is to conduct an email interview.
Research Recap:
For each GQ your research must include multiple perspectives and a minimum of:
- 1 TED Talk, 1 Current Event, 1 Blog, 1 Academic Paper, and 1 type of primary research (survey, interview, or an interview with an expert)
Resources needed to complete this benchmark:
* Guidelines for Notecard Research Document
* Credibility Checklist * How to Construct an Outline Document * How to Develop a Thesis Document * Podcast Suggestion List * Instructional Videos - How to Google Search (and find blogs or current events) - Google Scholar search (academic papers) - Survey Creation - How to Paraphrase - How to Cite in MLA (for Works Cited and in your Product) - How to use Easy Bib |