Reading & Taking Notes

Summary

The OSLIS video on 'Evaluating and Choosing Sources' introduces the TRAAP method for evaluating research materials. It guides viewers through selecting credible sources, emphasizing the importance of background reading and focused note-taking. The video explains how to extract essential information without plagiarizing, using paraphrasing and quotation when appropriate. It also addresses handling conflicting information by assessing source credibility and suggests knowing when to conclude research. Overall, it underscores that well-organized notes are key to producing a strong research paper.

Takeaways

• 😀 Use the TRAAP method to evaluate and categorize your sources into Yes, Maybe, and No piles.
• 📚 Start with broad reading to gain background knowledge about your topic before focusing on specific research questions.
• 🔍 Choose a source from your Yes pile that provides a general overview, such as an encyclopedia article or introductory book chapter.
• 🐝 Formulate your main research question and supporting questions to guide your information search.
• 📝 Take detailed notes from each source, including citation information like title, author, and page numbers.
• 🚫 Avoid plagiarism by not copying more than five consecutive words from a source; paraphrase when possible.
• 📖 Summarize key information using phrases or bullet points to keep notes concise and relevant.
• 🔄 Look for answers to multiple questions within the same source to enhance understanding.
• 🧭 If you encounter conflicting information, evaluate the credibility of sources and seek additional verification.
• ✅ Conclude your research when you have a thorough understanding of the topic and have answered all assignment questions.

Q & A

What is the TRAAP method used for?

The TRAAP method is used to evaluate and sort potential sources into categories of 'Yes', 'Maybe', and 'No' for research.

What should you do after identifying your 'Yes' sources?

After identifying 'Yes' sources, you should read them and take notes to answer your research questions.

Why is it important to minimize distractions during the research process?

Minimizing distractions helps you focus, which is crucial for understanding and retaining information.

What types of sources can provide a general overview of a research topic?

Encyclopedia articles, introductory chapters of books, and overview articles from magazines are good sources for general overviews.

What is the main research question discussed in the video?

The main research question discussed is 'How do bees work together as a community?'

What is a good approach to taking notes from a source?

A good approach is to write down important information in your own words, use phrases or bullet points, and ensure to cite the source for later reference.

What should you do if you come across conflicting information in your sources?

If you find conflicting information, evaluate the credibility of the sources, check additional sources for verification, or consult a teacher or librarian for guidance.

What does it mean to paraphrase information when taking notes?

Paraphrasing means rewriting the ideas from the original source in your own words, which helps avoid plagiarism and reinforces understanding.

How can you determine when to stop researching?

You should stop researching when you have a good understanding of the topic, have met the assignment requirements, and have answered all your research questions.

What is emphasized about the quality of notes in the research process?

The quality of notes is crucial; better notes lead to better papers, regardless of the format used for note-taking.