BSBTEC203 - Research Using the Internet AWT Learner Guide PDF

­­­­ **AUSTRALIA WIDE TRAINING** **AWT Learner Guide** ### BSBTEC203 -- Research using the internet **V1.0** **\ ** [Introduction and welcome 3](#introduction-and-welcome) [Section 1 -- Using the internet in the workplace 4](#section-1-internet-in-the-workplace) [Legislation and regulations...

­­­­ **AUSTRALIA WIDE TRAINING** **AWT Learner Guide** ### BSBTEC203 -- Research using the internet **V1.0** **\ ** [Introduction and welcome 3](#introduction-and-welcome) [Section 1 -- Using the internet in the workplace 4](#section-1-internet-in-the-workplace) [Legislation and regulations 4](#legislation-and-regulations) [Policies and procedures 4](#policies-and-procedures) [Section 2 -- Research applications and tools 6](#section-2-research-applications-and-tools) [Internet browsers 6](#internet-browsers) [Search engines 7](#search-engines) [Help functions 11](#help-functions) [Section 3 -- Basic research methods 12](#section-3-basic-research-methods) [Research plan 12](#research-plan) [Guidelines for conducting research 12](#guidelines-for-conducting-research) [Section 4 -- Documenting and presenting research findings 17](#section-4-document-and-present-research-findings) [Taking notes 17](#taking-notes) [Cite sources 17](#cite-sources) [Written or verbal reports 18](#written-and-verbal-reports) Introduction and welcome ======================== Welcome to Australia Wide Training and thank you for selecting our organisation to provide your studies and lifelong learning development. Australia Wide Training, welcomes you to this training course. This course will allow you to gain significant knowledge and skills to undertake basic measurements and calculations to determine task and material requirements in a construction work environment. When undertaking training course with Australia Wide Training, students will learn new skills and knowledge relevant to industry and be delivered by a trainer who has current, practical, industry-based experience. We strive to provide students with the highest standards in training and encourage learners to use all the resources available to have a rewarding learning experience. ### How to use this guide This guide contains information that was delivered to you during your course and is intended to serve as a future reference. Please note, you should access the most current legislative requirements and site-specific information to ensure you are informed with the most current and appropriate information. The team at Australia Wide Training trust that this training course will exceed your expectations and provide you with the skills and knowledge required to make a significant difference in your particular operational area. The ability to research using the internet is a highly valuable skill in modern workplaces. This unit will provide you with the knowledge and skills to plan, conduct and present research using the internet within an organisational context. This guide will take you through the process of learning how to research using the internet. Skills and knowledge will be developed in planning, conducting and presenting research. Areas of explanation include: - key elements of basic research methods - key functions of required applications - relevant organisational policies and procedures - key principles of documenting research. ### Useful websites - Internet Basics Tutorial from GCFGlobal -- - Section 1 -- Internet in the workplace ====================================== The internet has become an essential tool for modern workers. Knowing how to use the internet to find information is a skill that is highly valued by employers. Some of the reasons why you might need to use the internet at work include to: - Communicate with other people in the business and external stakeholders, such as through email, instant messaging, and video conferencing - Access online tools and software, such as cloud-based applications and software for project management, customer relationship management (CRM), accounting, and other essential functions - Create marketing and advertising campaigns, such as social media promotions, email marketing, and online advertisements - Backup and store data - Undertake training and professional development by completing online courses or attending webinars - Access news and industry updates to stay informed about current events, industry news, and market changes Another main use of the internet in the modern workplace is to research and gather information. This learner guide will focus on how you can use the internet to complete basic research tasks. Legislation and regulations --------------------------- Every business in Australia is required to abide by federal, state/territory and local laws that govern the jurisdiction it operates in. The legislation relevant to how you use the internet at work includes: - Copyright Act - Privacy Act - Work Health and Safety Act - Anti-Discrimination Act - Online Safety Act How a business implements the relevant legislation and regulations is outlined in the workplace policies and procedures. Policies and procedures ----------------------- Workplace policies and procedures are a set of rules and guidelines established by an organi**s**ation to govern the behavio**u**r and conduct of its **employees. Policies** and procedures are designed to create a safe, productive, and respectful work environment while also adhering to legal and regulatory requirements. They can cover a wide range of topics and may vary depending on the nature of the organi**s**ation and its industry. The policies and procedures related to researching using the internet include internet usage and work health and safety policies and procedures. ### Internet usage Businesses implement policies and procedures regarding the use of the internet at work to ensure the efficient and secure use of company resources. These policies are designed to promote productivity, protect sensitive information, and maintain a safe working environment. The policies and procedures regarding usage of the internet at work may cover the following information: - Acceptable use of the internet by employees at work, including what activities are allowed and what constitutes misuse or abuse of company resources - Who has access to the internet at work and under what circumstances, including departments or job roles that require internet access and whether guest or personal devices can connect to the company network - Websites and content that employees are not allowed to access during work hours, such as sites with explicit content, social media platforms, online gaming, or any other non-work-related sites that might hinder productivity - Security measures to protect data and prevent unauthorised access, such as the requirement to use secure passwords and enable multi-factor authentication - How employees should handle sensitive information while using the internet at work, including avoiding the sharing of confidential data through unsecured channels and being cautious about potential phishing attempts - Monitoring and logging of internet usage by employees to ensure compliance with the acceptable use policy and to detect any security breaches or unauthorised activities - Process for training to educate employees about the importance of responsible internet use, data security, online safety and the potential risks associated with certain online activities It\'s worth noting that the specifics of these policies and procedures can vary widely depending on the nature of the business, its industry, and any legal or regulatory requirements that apply. Regular updates and communication about internet usage policies are essential to ensure employees remain informed and compliant. ### Work health and safety Workplaces will also have work health and safety policies and procedures that should cover how employees can work safely at a computer. Working on computers can involve lengthy periods of time where you are sedentary. When you sit for long periods of time you are more prone to feeling tired, less productive and healthy, and it can result in musculoskeletal injuries. The organisation you work for is required by law to ensure that your computer workstation is ergonomic and set up in a way that reduces the risks associated with working on computers. Work health and safety policies and procedures should outline the control measures the organisation has implemented to ensure employee safety when working on computers. Control measures can include: - Providing sit-stand desks - Encouraging employees to take breaks from sitting every 30 minutes - Reviewing job tasks and roles to minimise the amount of time spent sitting down - Setting up computer monitors to be at eye level For more information visit the Comcare website:. #### Activity -- Policies and procedures Locate and identify the policies and procedures in your workplace that are relevant to your role and to using the internet at work. -- -- Section 2 -- Research applications and tools ============================================ There are a variety of online applications and tools you can use to conduct your research. Your workplace may have preferred platforms that you are required to use. Check with your manager or the relevant workplace policy and procedure to determine which tool you should use. Listed below are some examples of applications and tools used to conduct research. - **Search engines:** Popular search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo can be used to look for information on your topic. Enter relevant keywords or phrases to find articles, websites, and other online resources related to your research topic. - **Online databases:** Many universities, libraries, and institutions offer online databases that provide access to academic journals, research papers, and other scholarly publications. Examples include PubMed for medical research, JSTOR for multidisciplinary research, and IEEE Xplore for engineering and technology studies. Some databases require a paid subscription. - **Digital libraries:** Explore digital libraries such as the Internet Archive or online collections from local libraries. For example, the National Library of Australia has a selection of ebooks and digital copies of newspapers, maps, magazines and newsletters. - **Google scholar:** This specialised search engine focuses on academic and scholarly publications. It can be helpful when you need more scholarly and peer-reviewed sources for your research. - **Government websites:** Government websites often contain valuable data, statistics, and reports on various subjects. Look for official websites of government agencies or departments relevant to your research. - **Online surveys and polls:** If you need to collect data, you can create online surveys or polls using platforms like Google Forms or SurveyMonkey and share them with your target audience. The most common tools you will use to conduct your research is a search engine. We will now explore how to use search engines. Internet browsers ----------------- An internet browser, also known as a web browser, is a software application that allows users to access and view information on the internet. It serves as an interface between the user and the network of websites and webpages available online. The primary function of a web browser is to retrieve and display web content, such as text, images, videos, and interactive elements, making it easily accessible to users. Popular examples of internet browsers include: - Google Chrome - Mozilla Firefox - Microsoft Edge (formerly Internet Explorer) - Apple Safari - Opera Each browser has unique features, but they all serve the fundamental purpose of enabling users to access and interact with the vast amount of information available on the internet. Common features of internet browsers include: - **Address bars:** The primary function of a web browser is to help users navigate the internet. Users can type in URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) or search terms in the browser\'s address bar to access websites. - **Tabs and windows:** Browsers allow users to open multiple web pages simultaneously using tabs or separate windows. This feature helps users switch between different websites without losing their current page\'s context. - **Bookmarks:** Users can save their favourite websites as bookmarks for easy access later on. Bookmarks enable quick navigation to frequently visited sites without having to remember their URLs. - **History:** Browsers keep a record of the websites visited by the user, enabling them to revisit previously accessed pages. - **Search:** Most browsers come with a built-in search engine, allowing users to conduct web searches directly from the address bar. - **Download manager:** Browsers include a download manager that enables users to download files from the internet. It helps track ongoing and completed downloads and allows users to manage downloaded files. - **Security and privacy settings:** Browsers offer security and privacy settings that allow users to manage cookies, clear browsing data, block pop-ups, and protect against malicious websites. - **Zoom and page settings:** Browsers allow users to zoom in or out on web pages to adjust the font size and layout for better readability. Search engines -------------- A search engine is a web-based tool that helps users find information on the internet. It performs searches across vast databases of web pages, documents, images, videos, and other types of content, providing relevant results based on the user\'s query. The most common search engines include: - Google - Bing - Yahoo - Ecosia - DuckDuckGo - Ask.com The key features of a search engine are listed below. Google is used for this example; however most search engines will have the same features. **Search bar** The search engine\'s main interface includes a search bar where users can enter their search terms. The search bar is where users input keywords or phrases to find the information they are looking for. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  **Query suggestions** Search terms are also known as queries. Many search engines provide real-time query suggestions as users type in their search terms. These suggestions are based on popular or related searches and can help users refine their queries and find relevant results more quickly. A search engine window with words Description automatically generated **Search results page** After submitting a query, the search engine generates a search results page that lists relevant web pages, documents, images, videos, and other content related to the user\'s query. The search results are typically ranked based on relevance, authority, and other factors.  **Page summaries (snippets)** Each search result is usually accompanied by a short summary (snippet) of the content found on the web page. The snippet provides a brief preview of what the page is about and helps users quickly assess if it meets their needs. A screenshot of a computer Description automatically generated **Advanced search filters** Many search engines offer advanced search options and filters that allow users to refine their search results based on various criteria, such as date, location, file type, language, and more. These filters help users find more specific and relevant information.  **Image and video search** In addition to text-based search, search engines often offer specialized search options for images and videos. Users can search for visual content using keywords or by uploading an image to find similar ones. A screenshot of a phone Description automatically generated **Instant answers and knowledge panels** Some search engines display instant answers or knowledge panels for specific queries. These panels provide concise information about the query topic, sourced from trusted databases like Wikipedia. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  **Related searches** At the bottom of the search results page, users may find a list of related searches. These suggestions help users explore other topics that are related to their original query. A screenshot of a phone Description automatically generated **Voice search** Some search engines support voice search, allowing users to speak their queries instead of typing them. Voice search enhances convenience and accessibility, particularly on mobile devices and voice-enabled smart devices. **Personalisation** Search engines may personalize search results based on a user\'s search history, location, and other data. Personalized results aim to provide more relevant content to individual users. **Safe search** To protect users, search engines often provide a \"safe search\" feature that filters explicit or inappropriate content from search results. Users can enable or disable this feature as per their preferences. Keep in mind that search engines use algorithms to rank search results based on relevance and other factors. The most relevant results may not always appear at the top, so don\'t hesitate to explore multiple pages of results. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For more information watch the following video. The Internet: How Search Works --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Help functions -------------- Internet browsers and search engines will have a help function to assist users. The help function can be in the form of written text on a webpage, short videos, automated chat functions or through a customer service hotline. Using help functions can help you to develop your understanding of the key functions of the online application or tool. The resources available will provide helpful information, including tips and tricks, for how to effectively use the tool. Before you begin your research make yourself familiar with the help available to you from the internet browser or search engine you are using. #### Activity -- Help Locate the help functions for the internet browser and search engine you use at work. For each, identify how you can access help and what sort of help is available. **Internet browser** ---------------------- -- **Search engine** Can you think of other types of support that you can access when researching? Section 3 -- Basic research methods =================================== You will likely be required to completed research tasks in your role. In most cases, this will involve undertaking basic research. Basic research is all about information-gathering and answering simple research questions such as what, why and how. It involves learning facts about a subject and interpreting these facts based on the research question or brief. Workplaces use the internet for basic research as it has an array of resources and tools that can assist in finding information on various topics. The most common methods used for basic internet research are listed below. - **Gathering and assessing information from different sources.** Such as search engines, online databases and libraries, Google Scholar and government websites. - **Conducting surveys or polls**. Online surveys or polls can be used to collect data from a target audience. This method is useful if you need to gather information consumer behaviour, industry trends and public opinions. Online platforms such as Google Forms or SurveyMonkey are commonly used. We will focus on conducting research through gathering and assessing information from different sources. Research plan ------------- When you start out on a research task your first action should be to create a research plan. A research plan will contain all of the information you need to effectively carry out the task and will provide a framework guiding how the research is conducted and documented. Your workplace may have a template you can use for your research plan. If a template is not available to you, it is very simple to create your own plan. A good research plan should include: - What the research topic is - Who is involved in the task (Who has asked you to complete the task? Do you need to talk with anyone in order to find more information? Who will be reading or using the research you provide?) - The objectives of the research (What do you need to present at the end of the research? Are there particular sources of information you can or cannot use?) - The online resources you will need to undertake the research, such as internet browser and search engine - Where you plan to gather information from - Search terms you plan to use to gather information Completing a research plan at the start of your task and using it during your research will help to keep you on track. Your research is more likely to be relevant to the task and meet the objectives. Guidelines for conducting research ---------------------------------- It can be intimidating when you start out on a research project. There is a lot of information available on the internet, and it can be difficult to know where to start and which sources to trust. Listed below are techniques for effectively using the internet to conduct research. We will explore some of these techniques in more detail in this learner guide. - **Utilise search engines effectively:** Start by using popular search engines like Google or Bing. To get more accurate and relevant results, use specific keywords and phrases related to your research topic. You can also use advanced search features to filter results by date, language, and domain. - **Access different types of sources:** Depending on your research needs, consider using a variety of sources, such as articles, reports, case studies, blogs and forums. Each source type can provide unique perspectives and insights on your topic. - **Verify information:** Before incorporating any information into your work, verify its accuracy and authenticity through cross-referencing multiple sources. - **Organise your findings:** As you gather information, organise it in a systematic way. You can use tools like note-taking apps, spreadsheets, or project management software to keep track of your sources, key points, and relevant data. - **Respect copyright and intellectual property:** When using information from the internet, be mindful of copyright laws and intellectual property rights. Always give proper credit to the original authors and sources and seek permission if necessary. - **Be cautious with sensitive data:** If your research involves sensitive or confidential information, follow your company\'s data security protocols to ensure that data is handled appropriately and not compromised. - **Limit distractions:** Internet research can easily lead to distractions. Stay focused on your research objectives and avoid falling down unrelated rabbit holes. - **Keep learning:** The internet is constantly evolving, so make it a habit to stay up to date with the latest research tools, techniques, and trends. Continuous learning will help you become a more effective and efficient researcher. By following these guidelines, you can make the most of the internet as a powerful tool for conducting research at work, enabling you to gather valuable information and insights to support your projects and decision-making processes. ### Define your objectives Clearly understand the purpose of your research. Whether you\'re looking for specific data, academic articles, technical documentation, or any other information, having well-defined objectives will help you stay focused during the research process. Research objectives should be SMART -- specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. They serve as a roadmap for the research process, guiding you in your research. Defining clear research objectives is crucial because they help maintain focus, enhance the quality of the work, and ensure that the research is meaningful and relevant. The components involved in defining research objectives are defined below. - **Specific**: Research objectives should be well-defined and precise. They must address a particular aspect of the research problem or question without being too vague or broad. - **Measurable**: Each research objective should be quantifiable or observable. This means that you should be able to measure or assess the outcomes or results of the research to determine whether the objective has been achieved. - **Achievable**: Research objectives should be realistic and feasible given the available resources, time constraints, and scope of the study. Setting objectives that are beyond reach could lead to disappointment and missing work deadlines. - **Relevant**: The research objectives should be directly related to the overall research question or brief. - **Time-bound**: Each research objective should have a specific time frame within which it is expected to be achieved. Setting time limits helps you stay on track and monitor progress throughout the research process. When defining research objectives, it\'s essential to start with a clear research question that serves as the foundation for the study. Then, break down the question into specific sub-questions or areas of investigation, which will become the individual research objectives. These objectives should be articulated in a clear and concise manner, and they may evolve or be refined as the research progresses. Remember that well-defined research objectives are critical not only for guiding your own research but also for communicating the purpose and scope of your study to others, such as advisors, peers, and potential stakeholders. ### Use reputable sources The internet is filled with information, but not all sources are reliable or credible. Be cautious about the sites you use, and prioritise information from reputable websites, academic journals, government publications, and recognised experts in the field. Assessing the reliability and reputation of a source is crucial for obtaining accurate and trustworthy information.. Steps to help you assess whether a source is reliable and reputable are outlined below. **Source type and origin** Determine the type of source you\'re dealing with. Is it a peer-reviewed journal article, a book, a website, a blog post, a newspaper article, or a social media post? Different types of sources have varying levels of reliability. Check the origin of the source. Who is the author, publisher, or sponsor? Look for information about their expertise, qualifications, and affiliations. Reputable authors and organizations are more likely to produce reliable content. --------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Credibility of the author** Investigate the author\'s credentials and expertise in the field. Look for their educational background, professional affiliations, and relevant experience. A well-qualified author is more likely to provide reliable information. Search for the author\'s name to see if they have a good reputation in their field or if they have been criticised for biased or misleading work. **Peer review and editorial process** If you\'re dealing with academic papers or scientific journals, check if the source has been peer-reviewed. Peer review involves experts in the field evaluating the content for accuracy and validity. For other types of publications, find out if the source has an editorial process that ensures accuracy and fact-checking before publishing. **Currency and timeliness** Consider the publication date of the source. Depending on your topic, older sources might be outdated and less reliable, especially in rapidly changing fields. Look for the latest information and try to find multiple sources to verify the most current data. **References and citations** A reputable source will provide references and citations to support its claims and data. Check these references to evaluate the quality of the evidence used. Cross-reference the information with other reliable sources to ensure consistency and accuracy. **Bias and objectivity** Assess whether the source shows any bias or presents a one-sided perspective. Bias doesn\'t necessarily invalidate a source, but it\'s essential to be aware of it to consider multiple viewpoints. Look for sources that strive for objectivity and present evidence-based information. **Domain and URL** For online sources, examine the domain and URL. Government (.gov), educational (.edu), and organisational (.org) websites often provide more reliable information compared to commercial (.com) sites. For information that is Australia specific or from an Australian source, use websites that also use the.au domain. **Consistency with other sources** Compare the information from the source with what you find in other reputable sources. Consistency across multiple reliable sources adds to the credibility of the information. **Site design and presentation** A well-designed website doesn\'t automatically make a source reliable, but it can be an indication of professionalism and investment in the content. Poor grammar, spelling errors, or a cluttered layout may be signs of a less credible source. Remember that no source is entirely free from bias, and critical evaluation is necessary to form a well-rounded understanding. Using a combination of reliable sources and following these assessment steps will help you make informed decisions based on accurate information. ### Evaluating sources The flowchart below shoes a simple method for evaluating whether a source is reliable.  ***Image source:** https://www.kathleenamorris.com/2018/02/23/research-filter/* ### Use search terms Search terms are the specific words or phrases that you enter into a search engine. They help the search engine understand what you are looking for and retrieve relevant information from its index. Using appropriate and effective search terms is crucial to finding accurate and valuable information efficiently. Consider the following when you use search terms: - Use specific keywords that describe the topic or subject you are researching. Avoid using vague or general terms that might return unrelated results. - Incorporate synonyms or related terms to increase the chances of finding relevant information. Not everyone uses the same words to describe the same thing. - Use the filters provided by the search engine to narrow down your results based on factors such as date, location, or content type. - Don\'t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of search terms. If your initial search doesn\'t yield satisfactory results, modify and refine your search terms until you find what you\'re looking for. ### Search operators Search operators are special symbols or keywords that can be used to refine your online searches and help you find specific information more effectively. Different search engines and websites may have their own set of search operators, but some common ones are widely used across various platforms. The table shows common search operators you can use when researching the internet. +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | **Search | **Symbol** | **Function** | **Example** | | operator** | | | | +=================+=================+=================+=================+ | Double | \" \" | Use to search | Searching for | | quotation marks | | for an exact | \"climate | | | | phrase. This | change\" will | | | | tells the | show results | | | | search engine | with the exact | | | | to only return | phrase | | | | results that | \"climate | | | | contain the | change\" rather | | | | exact words in | than individual | | | | the exact order | occurrences of | | | | you specify. | the words | | | | | \"climate\" and | | | | | \"change\" | | | | | separately | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | Or | OR | Use to find | For example, | | | | results that | searching for | | | \| | include one | \"cat OR dog\" | | | | term or | or "cat \| dog" | | | | another. | will display | | | | | results | | | | | containing | | | | | either \"cat\" | | | | | or \"dog\" or | | | | | both. | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | Minus | \- | Place before a | For instance, | | | | word to exclude | if you search | | | | it from your | for \"healthy | | | | search results. | recipes | | | | | -sugar,\" the | | | | | results will | | | | | exclude any | | | | | pages that | | | | | mention sugar | | | | | in the context | | | | | of healthy | | | | | recipes. | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | Site-specific | site: | Use to limit | For instance, | | search | | your search | \"technology | | | | results to a | site:wikipedia. | | | | specific | org\" | | | | website or | will only | | | | domain. | display results | | | | | from | | | | | Wikipedia\'s | | | | | technology-rela | | | | | ted | | | | | pages. | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | File type | filetype: | Use to search | For example, | | | | for specific | \"history of | | | | file types. | art | | | | | filetype:pdf\" | | | | | will show | | | | | search results | | | | | of PDF files | | | | | related to the | | | | | history of art. | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | Wildcard | \* | Can be used as | For instance, | | | | a wildcard to | searching for | | | | replace unknown | \"how to \* a | | | | words or | bicycle\" will | | | | characters in a | show results | | | | search query | that fill in | | | | | the blank, such | | | | | as \"how to | | | | | ride a | | | | | bicycle\" or | | | | | \"how to fix a | | | | | bicycle.\" | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | Related | related: | Use to find | For example, | | | | websites | \"related:wikip | | | | related to a | edia.org\" | | | | specific URL or | will display | | | | domain. | websites | | | | | related to | | | | | Wikipedia. | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | Define | define: | Provides a | For instance, | | | | definitions of | \"define:serend | | | | a word or term. | ipity\" | | | | | will provide | | | | | the definition | | | | | of the word | | | | | \"serendipity.\ | | | | | " | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ By using search operators, you can improve the effectiveness of your searches and find the information you need more efficiently on the internet. Section 4 -- Document and present research findings =================================================== As you undertake research you should keep track where and how you accessed information. This can be done by simply adding information to a Microsoft Word document or an online word processing application such as Google Docs. The advantage of Google Docs is that you can share your document with your manager or other stakeholders. They can view your work in real-time and can also edit the document if you grant them access to do so. Your workplace may have procedures in place for documenting the research process. Always check your workplaces policies and procedures. Taking notes ------------ Taking detailed notes during your research will help you to later organise your findings and can also serve as a record of your research process. You should take notes whenever you access a source and use information contained in it. You should take note of: - When you accessed the course - The link or URL of the source - What information you gathered from the source You should paraphrase information gathered from a source. Paraphrasing is when you write the key facts and concepts from a source in your own words. Paraphrasing helps you to understand the content and also helps to avoid plagiarising other people's work. Cite sources ------------ When citing a source, you need to include specific information to credit the original work accurately and appropriately. The required elements may vary depend on how the information is going to be used and on the citation style you are using (if required). Citation styles are guidelines for how to represent citations. Examples include APA, MLA, Chicago and Harvard. Your workplace may require you to use formal citations or may just require you to provide a link to the source. Essential elements commonly included in the citation of a web page are: - The name of the author/s. - The title of the specific work being cited. For web pages, it may be the title of the web page or article. - The date when the work was published or made available. For web pages, it\'s the date the content was last updated or accessed. - Website URL (web address) of the specific webpage where the content is located. - The date you accessed the online source. This is particularly relevant when the content may change over time. Remember to adhere to the specific citation style guidelines recommended by your workplace. Below are examples of citations for a website in APA and MLA citation styles. **APA Style Website Citation:** Doe, J. (2022, June 15). How to Cite Correctly. Website Name. https://www.example.com/article **MLA Style Website Citation:** Doe, Jane. \"How to Cite Correctly.\" Website Name, 15 June 2022, https://www.example.com/article. Written and verbal reports -------------------------- Depending on the research task and the processes in your workplace, you may be required to provide a written or verbal report of your research. In your report, you should include: - The topic you researched - The objective/s of the research and how you fulfilled them - Your research findings - Sources of information, if required ### Written reports A written report could be in the form of an email or a lengthy research report. Writing clearly and concisely is an essential skill that can greatly improve communication and ensure your message is understood effectively. To present your research clearly and concisely you should: - Organise your main points and create a clear structure for your writing - Use plain English - Eliminate repetitive phrases or words that don\'t add value to your writing. - Use active voice - Keep sentences and paragraphs short - Edit and revise your writing - Read it aloud to identify awkward phrasing or areas that need improvement Remember that clarity and conciseness should not sacrifice the completeness of your message. Make sure your writing conveys all the necessary information while being as succinct and clear as possible. ### Verbal reports You may be required to provide a one-on-one verbal report to your manager or present the findings to a group of stakeholders. When you're giving a verbal report, try to remember all the skills you should use when sharing information, including: - thinking about what you want to say before you begin - including only relevant information and details - putting things into a logical sequence - being aware of non-verbal language - projecting your voice so you are heard clearly