Cambridge SOST: how to research, refine and reference
Research:
- All research starts with a well-defined question. The question type you need to use for Cambridge this year are polar questions. This is essentially a yes/no question. For you it may look like a "Does ...?" question.
- e.g. Does economic development have the potential to further reduce water quality in NZ?
- e.g. Does casual racism have enough impact to work against campaigns like 'Black Lives Matter'?
- Deciding on your question doesn't have to be a one-hit thing. You can go back and re-frame your question over and over until it fits what you need. One word of caution, however: don't stray too far or your research findings become less useful, as they were slanted towards your original question. Update and keep or discard you research as you go.
What skills will you need for research?
The first requirement for research is critical thinking. Yes, there are research tips and strategies, but the way you think about a question will give you different perspectives that helps to focus your search.
I would argue that you could even 'question your question' with some of these. e.g. Why is the topic I have chosen a problem or a challenge? How does it benefit us/others? How does it harm us/others?
I would argue that you could even 'question your question' with some of these. e.g. Why is the topic I have chosen a problem or a challenge? How does it benefit us/others? How does it harm us/others?
The second requirement is using the right language and boolean operators to create a focused not-so-much-with-the-time-wasting search. Alternatively, you can use any search engine you are comfortable with and try these tips for a fine-tuned search:
"New Zealand" - putting quote marks " " around your words keeps them together in the search
and - using and between words/ideas means that the engine will search for this AND that.
- - using a minus symbol will remove anything from your search that you don't want. Clearing away the clutter can help you see what is there that can be helpful.
Try this: http://bfy.tw/GZMo
Click here for a comprehensive step by step plan for your research.
"New Zealand" - putting quote marks " " around your words keeps them together in the search
and - using and between words/ideas means that the engine will search for this AND that.
- - using a minus symbol will remove anything from your search that you don't want. Clearing away the clutter can help you see what is there that can be helpful.
Try this: http://bfy.tw/GZMo
Click here for a comprehensive step by step plan for your research.