Week+2+Technology+and+Personal+Research

**Research Strategies** media type="googlespreadsheet" key="pbZf1FZB82JTSs6o_oPhcEQ" width="880" height="444"
 * Research Model Chart using Google Spreadsheet**

**Reflection on my personal research style using the information from the four research models :**

My research style most closely resembles “The Big 6”. I consider myself highly pragmatic, straight forward and task oriented. I normally start by fully understanding the topics and define my hypothesis. This is similar to the “Task Definition” stage in the Big 6 strategy. My next step is to reflect and determine the types of resources I will need in order to find the information I am seeking. Depending on the subject, this may include internet research, personally going to the library to look for resources either in book form or periodicals, recordings, microfiche etc., personal interviews and more. This step is similar to the “Information Seeking Strategies” stage. Once the method of information seeking is determined, the next step is to actually locate the information and record them for analysis. This step is similar to the “Location & Access” stage. Once I have the information, I would organize them into the different areas of my paper in which they are most applicable. This would be the “Use of Information” stage. Once the information is sorted out, comes the critical evaluation stage where I fully lay out my arguments and use the research compiled as supporting material. This will be the “Synthesis” stage. Lastly comes the step where I turn the paper into a cohesive whole by making sure the different paragraphs support the introduction, conclusion and overall goal of the paper, not dissimilar to the “Evaluation” stage in the Big 6 methodology.
 * How does it compare with four models that have been explored? **

The I Search model is a more simplistic methodology than the Big 6, but in my view, very similar. The Regis methodology also is similar and I think almost a rephrasing of Big 6. Therefore, I would say that my research style is compatible with all three.

The model I found is entitled “Collaborative Research”. Although a bona fide, ,task oriented research method, I think this model is for a more specialized type of research perhaps more suited for sociology or psychology given its emphasis on outcomes, communication and perspectives.

**Is there one model that meets your style over another?** The Big 6.

**Is your style a blend of a couple models? If so, which ones and how?** Yes it is a blend of several models. For example, it uses elements of the Regis methodology in critically evaluating information. Similarly with the I Search where I immerse myself in a topic and present knowledge critically.

**If you were to create your own research model what would be your stages, what they would they contain and why are they important?** My model would be: The steps are as laid out in question 1, except for “Presentation Layout” as I really feel that it is important to be clear to the reader where the paper/presentation is going and they are guided along in a logical manner.
 * Topic Analysis
 * Hypothesis Definition
 * Resource Review
 * Research
 * Data Organization
 * Synthesis
 * Presentation Layout
 * Evaluation


 * Search Engine Comparison Chart**

**Also briefly note your uses of notebook and zotero, were they helpful to you in your research?** Google Notebook and Zotero are both browser extensions that lets you capture bookmarks, make notes, images etc. within your browser and accessible anywhere. Zotero is a similar breed with more emphasis towards academia with added capabilities for citations.

media type="googlespreadsheet" key="pbZf1FZB82JTI6ujxnJmReA" width="848" height="187"
 * Google Doc Search Engine and Keyword Exercise

Essential Research Steps media type="googlespreadsheet" key="pbZf1FZB82JTV7b1hEDyycw" width="865" height="323"**