Research skills involve the ability to identify research topics, formulate research questions, develop research plans, and execute research methods to gather and analyze data. It includes skills such as literature review, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation of research findings.
Citation and plagiarism skills involve understanding and applying proper citation styles (such as APA, MLA, or Chicago) to give credit to original authors and avoid plagiarism. It includes understanding the importance of intellectual property and ethical use of information in academic writing and research.
Database and information retrieval skills involve the ability to effectively search and retrieve information from databases, online resources, and other information sources. It includes understanding how to use search operators, filters, and advanced search techniques to find relevant and reliable information.
Digital literacy skills involve the ability to use digital technologies, tools, and resources effectively and critically. It includes understanding digital information, evaluating online sources, using online communication tools, managing digital data, and protecting online privacy and security.
Copyright and fair use skills involve understanding the legal and ethical principles of copyright, fair use, and intellectual property. It includes understanding the rights and responsibilities of using copyrighted materials in academic work and respecting the intellectual property of others.
Information ethics skills involve understanding and applying ethical principles in the collection, use, and dissemination of information. It includes understanding issues such as privacy, bias, accuracy, and reliability of information, and making ethical decisions in information use and sharing.
Information literacy workshops and programs involve designing, delivering, and evaluating information literacy programs for specific audiences, such as students, faculty, or community members. It includes developing instructional materials, teaching strategies, and assessment methods to enhance information literacy skills.
Evaluating information sources skills involve critically evaluating the credibility, reliability, and relevance of information sources, including print and online sources. It includes using criteria such as authority, accuracy, currency, and objectivity to evaluate the quality of information.
Advanced search techniques skills involve using advanced search operators, filters, and strategies to refine and narrow down search results, and find more relevant and reliable information. It includes using techniques such as Boolean operators, truncation, and wildcards to enhance search skills.
Evaluating websites for credibility skills involve critically evaluating the reliability, authority, and accuracy of websites as information sources. It includes assessing website design, content, domain, and references to determine the credibility of information presented on websites.
Fake news and media literacy skills involve critically evaluating news and media sources for accuracy, bias, and reliability. It includes understanding the techniques used in creating fake news, fact-checking methods, and developing critical thinking skills to discern credible information from misinformation or disinformation.
Scholarly vs. popular sources skills involve understanding the differences between scholarly and popular sources, such as peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, books, and popular magazines or websites. It includes understanding the purpose, audience, and authority of different types of sources for academic research.
Information organization and note-taking skills involve effectively organizing and managing information gathered from different sources, and taking notes for academic research and writing. It includes using techniques such as outlining, summarizing, and synthesizing information to create coherent and structured research notes.
Critical thinking and information evaluation skills involve applying critical thinking skills to evaluate information sources for credibility, accuracy, and reliability. It includes using logical reasoning, evidence-based analysis, and problem-solving skills
This topic focuses on helping researchers understand the difference between primary and secondary sources. Primary sources are original documents or materials that provide firsthand accounts or evidence of an event or topic, such as diaries, letters, photographs, or speeches. Secondary sources are interpretations, analyses, or evaluations of primary sources, such as textbooks, scholarly articles, or documentaries. Understanding the distinction between primary and secondary sources is crucial for conducting thorough and accurate research.
Research planning and strategies involve developing a systematic approach to conducting research. This includes defining research questions, setting research objectives, selecting appropriate research methods, creating research timelines, and organizing research materials. Effective research planning and strategies help researchers stay focused, efficient, and organized throughout the research process.
Reference resources are tools and materials that provide quick and reliable information for research purposes. Examples of reference resources include encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks, directories, and databases. Understanding how to effectively use reference resources, such as how to search for information, evaluate the credibility of sources, and properly cite references, is critical for conducting accurate and reliable research.
In today’s digital age, visual and multimedia sources, such as images, videos, and audio recordings, are increasingly used in research. However, evaluating the reliability, credibility, and accuracy of visual and multimedia sources can be challenging. This topic focuses on developing skills to critically evaluate visual and multimedia sources for research purposes, including understanding the context, authenticity, and bias of these sources.
Libraries are rich repositories of information and resources that can greatly support research. This topic covers strategies for effectively utilizing library resources, including understanding library catalogs, databases, digital collections, and other resources. It also includes learning how to navigate library systems, locate and retrieve relevant materials, and effectively use library services to enhance research outcomes.
Different disciplines or subjects may require specific information literacy skills. This topic focuses on understanding the unique research needs, methods, and resources of specific disciplines or subjects, such as science, history, literature, social sciences, or business. It may include discipline-specific databases, research methods, citation styles, and information sources, tailored to the needs of a particular field of study.