Lesson 11: Finding, Evaluating, and Processing Information

Overview

The purpose of this lesson is that being well organized before you begin a research project and consulting the best sources for your topic can go a long way toward making a research task less daunting. As you read and study this chapter, think about the sorts of topics you may want to research in the near future and how you might best go about conducting your research.

Objectives

After reading and studying Chapter 11 you will be able to:

1. summarize the six steps of the research process.

2. explain the role of reference libraries.

3. list several ways to search databases effectively.

4. briefly discuss the different types of resources you might use to find business information.

5. describe several things you must do during the interviewing process.

6. discuss the difference between quoting and paraphrasing, and explain the appropriate use of each.

In step 1 you identify questions and develop sub-questions so that you can narrow your focus. In step 2 you find and access secondary and primary sources of information. You evaluate and finalize your sources in step 3 by testing for credibility, bias, currency, and completeness, and you fill any gaps. Then you process the information in step 4 by reading the material and taking notes, which you analyze and interpret in step 5. Finally, in step 6 you present your finding.

The primary role of reference librarians is to help people find materials and information and to tech people how to use library resources. They can also help researchers improve their search strategies and improve their results.

To search databases effectively you should select the appropriate databases for your needs, use multiple search engines (if searching the Internet), use variations of your terms, avoid stop-words and words contained in the name of the database, and avoid long phrases if short ones will do. In addition you should use Boolean operators, proximity operators, and wildcards.

Popular secondary business resources include business books, periodicals, newspapers, directories, almanacs, government publications, and electronic databases. Primary business resources include internal documents, observations, experiments, surveys, and interviews.

First you gather background information, contact your subjects, and make all necessary scheduling arrangements. Then you plan the interview by formulating a mix of intelligent questions and arranging them in a logical. sequential order. During the interview you should dress appropriately, arrive early, take good notes, be aware of verbal and nonverbal cues, and follow the agenda but be ready to stray a bit to explore relevant subtopics. After the interview, you should thank the interviewee, review and revise your notes, and process and use the information wisely.

Quoting is copying material word for word and is used when the original language would enhance the impact of the passage or when rewording it would alter its meaning. Paraphrasing is presenting material in your own words without altering or distorting its meaning; it is used in all occasions unless quoting is necessary. Whether you’re quoting or paraphrasing, always give proper credit to the source.

Assignment

Read and study Chapter 11 paying particular attention to Focusing on Ethics on page 375 and on pages 390-391. Complete the self-study quiz to determine if you understand the concepts presented. To reinforce the concepts learned answer the Critical Thinking Questions on page 395, email your responses to your instructor.