Strategies for Research Notes

Strategies For Research Notes & TAKING Note…

As a researcher, writer, student, thinker, the goal is to be an ACTIVE participant in these processes.  We have been programmed throughout our lives to observe, watch, listen, and consume information, so our minds are already tuned into “research mode,” but to be an effective, thorough, and thoroughly engaged researcher, two other areas need to be put into action:  actively taking notes and actively taking note.

NOTE (NOUN): a brief record of something written down to assist the memory or for future reference.

NOTE (VERB): to observe carefully; to take notice of; perceive.

Things To Look For In Books, Films, News Stories, Research Sources

1.     TOPICS:  While reading/watching/listening, write down a list of the topics being covered.

2.     SEARCH TERMS FOR FURTHER STUDY:  The goal of taking active research notes is not just to find quotes you think will fit into a particular essay, but to EXPAND ON YOUR KNOWLEDGE of that topic so you have a broad understanding of it and can share that understanding with your readers.  Write down a list of possible search terms you will research later. 

3.     PEOPLE:  Write down the names of people mentioned or cited in readings and who appear in films; again, for further study later.  Do they have other writings for you to research?  Are there video sources online in which they appear?

4.     QUOTES:  When reading a text or watching a film underline / highlight / copy / write down quotes that stand out to you as being relevant to your research topic.  You will need many quotes to support and illustrate the ideas in your research papers. 

5.     IDEAS:  Write down the ideas being discussed in the material. 

6.     QUESTIONS & IMPLICATIONS:  Write down questions the material raises for you that you want to answer with further research.  Write down what you think are the implications of the topics and ideas you are studying:  think of this list as a list of “conclusions in progress” that you will revise and refine later.

7.     LISTENING & TAKING NOTES: If watching a film or listening to a lecture or class discussion (and even in small group or one on one class discussions), practice and learn the art of listening and taking notes at the same time.  You might miss a few things, but more importantly you will CAPTURE numerous ideas, topics, quotes for further study and to incorporate in your writing.

SOURCES & TOPICS LIST:  At the back of your notebook, keep a thorough sources & topics list for the class:  write down every class research source and topic:  films, handouts, class material and discussion topics.  Be thorough.