In this session

A panel of CAL academics discuss how they go about the research and organisation of ideas process when engaged in a writing project. As you listen make notes on what you feel are they key points made that are relevant to your own research project, and jot down any questions that occur to you to see if they are answered later on.

Introductions

Nikk Effingham on scoping the field i.e. searching out potential source material

KEY POINTS

You can start with overviews and surveys just to get a general idea of good keywords and some important names, to get an inroad into the topic
Then move on to Google Scholar. Here is a link to the AWAS Online page that shows you how to use the "cited by" function that Nikk describes here
And be careful when you take notes! It's important you make a clear distinction in your notes between direct quotation and your interpretation of what you have read.

Simone Laqua-O'Donnell on note-taking and organising your thoughts

KEY POINTS

Take care with note-taking that you are accurate, not only with whether you quote or paraphrase but also that you
- get the bibliographical details correct - dates etc can be useful to spot developments
- and start using the appropriate referencing style - it's good practice, and you will need it
Make notes on any connections you start to see across your reading
- start to think about themes
- make a spreadsheet!
And then start writing - writing for yourself.

Philippa Semper on evaluating your sources

KEY POINTS

Reading is an active process
There is no 'high objective truth'
So don't forget to evaluate your source material and note down your responses to it while they are fresh in your mind.

Summing up so far

Some further resources

Why take notes? And various ways to do so.
Evaluating online sources
Summary advice from one of our AWAS tutors, and Matt's Annotated Bibliography

Why not take a break?

cup of coffee

And now move on!