This slideshow outlines the steps in the Big6 research process. The “Big6™” is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit: www.big6.com

1. Research Process
The “Big6™” is copyright © (1987)
Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E.
Berkowitz. For more information, visit:
www.big6.com

2. Why use this process?
It beaks down the research process,
so you don’t feel overwhelmed!

3. The Process
1. Task Definition
2. Information Seeking
3. Location and Access
4. Use of Information
5. Synthesis
6. Evaluation

4. 1. Task Definition
Define the problem?
 What is the assignment?
 Note cards? Outline? Paper? Works Cited page? Speech?
Identify information need?
 What information do you need for the assignment?
 Make a list of key (important) words to search.
 Only type key words in a search box.

5. 2. Information Seeking Strategies
What are some sources you could use to find the
information you need?
Which of these sources are…
Accurate?
Available?
Reliable/authoritative/ trustworthy?
Easy to use?
Current?
Precise?

6. 3. Location and Access
Locate Sources by going to destiny.aisd.net.
Card Catalog - Click on the catalog tab to search. Write
down title and call number before going to the shelves.
Databases (online professional articles). See handout
and choose the most relevant.
Online encyclopedias (contain background info.)
Websites – Use only reliable websites. Try Net Trekker
to find reliable educational sites.
Find the information – Skim subheadings first.
Move on if the information does not meet YOUR need.

7. 4. Use of Information
Engage – Read closely for relevant information.
Extract information – Only record what’s important
for YOUR assignment.
Be sure to write down your citation (source info.) If
using notecards, write the citation on your source card
and number it with the number that matches its note
cards.

8. Trash and Treasure Note taking
Treasure: The important information you find that
will help you fulfill your assignment. You can copy
word for word (quoting) or put the information into
your own words (paraphrasing).
Only copy words or phrases, not sentences.
Don’t copy words you don’t know.
Trash: All the other “stuff” in the source that
doesn’t answer the question(s) you have.

9. 5. Synthesis
Organize all of your information
Put your information in the format your teacher
requested (i.e. outline, draft, etc.)
Present the information – Make sure you meet the
paper or project requirements!

10. 6. Evaluation
Judge your project
How well does your project meet the assignment
guidelines and/or the rubric?
Judge your process
How can you be more efficient the next time you have a
research project to do?

11. Practice makes perfect!
Use the Big 6 Process and become a
super researcher today!

12. Mediagraphy
Images – Clip Art, Photos, Sounds, & Animations –
Microsoft Office. Microsoft Corporation, 2011.
Web. 20 Mar. 2009.
<http://office.microsoft.com>.
The “Big6™” is copyright © (1987) Michael B.
Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more
information, visit: www.big6.com