Library Class and Subject Guides: Information Literacy Toolkit: Articulate Information Need

Toolkit Legend

This box explains labels displayed in this guide

Activity Item can be used as a class activity; examples include group discussions and student peer review
Video YouTube video explaining a process, concept or task
Assignment Item that can be used as a graded assignment
Step–by–Step Instructions Text and visuals explaining a process, concept, or task
Teaching Resource Support material for an assignment, activity, etc.
DIY Tutorial Instructions and questions inserted into an actual webpage. Guides user through a process,concept, or task.
Presentation Slideshow explaining a process, concept or task

Competency 2: Articulate the specific information needed to in order to begin academic inquiries and avoid information overload

	Introductory	Intermediate	Advanced
2.a	Identify gaps in their knowledge base	Identify gaps in their disciplinary knowledge base	Identify gaps in a discipline's body of knowledge

Beginning Research

Developing Your Research Question
Activity Assignment Includes a "How do I create research questions" worksheet and instructions for a small group discussion

Developing your Research Topic Worksheet
Activity Assignment A worksheet to help students develop a research topic by Project CORA

	Introductory	Intermediate	Advanced
2.b	Define the topic	Define the topic within the context of discipline	Develop an original research question that contributes to the body of knowledge in the field

Choosing a Research Topic

Research Interest Worksheet
Activity Assignment This worksheet helps students generate topic ideas
Narrowing your Topic Worksheet

	Introductory	Intermediate	Advanced
2.c	Identify search words related to topic	Identify discipline-specific search words related to topic	Break down complex research questions to help facilitate searching

Using Search Terms

Search Worksheet and Concept Map
Activity Assignment This worksheet will help students organize research concepts and find and refine research terms.

	Introductory	Intermediate	Advanced
2.d	Revise search words (i.e. narrow/broaden) for an appropriate research scope	Revise discipline-specific search words for an appropriate research scope	Revise research question(s) to manage an appropriate research scope

Revising Research

Information Think Pair Share
Activity This think-pair-share activity helps students to reflect on how information is used in coursework and in everyday life

Narrowing Your Research Topic
Video This tutorial offers an overview of how to narrow a topic when researching. The video offers a few examples of how to find subtopics, including limiting sources and focusing on different aspects of a topic. We use the MavScholar database and the topic of E-cigarettes as an example.

Finding Articles

Finding Articles by Topic
DIY TutorialThis tutorial will walk you through searching for articles at MSU.