Module 2: Research is a journey of inquiries

When you get an assignment that requires looking for information or you want to do some research which includes information searching, before you start to seek for information it is important to determine the wider field, the topic and precise research questions that could lead you to relevant information sources. Therefore, when you get an assignment or you need some information, do not immediately start with the search process. Don’t worry about finding sources, there are plenty of them, maybe even too many! Therefore THINK what kind of information do you need and for which purpose, which area it belongs, where it could be located and how it could be retrieved.

In this module you will learn how to formulate the right questions to address a specific information need. It is an investigative journey of gradual reformulation of inquiries, defining the topics of your interest, recognising your knowledge gaps and learning how to address these gaps.

Learning outcomes:

  • to recognise information needs, and how to address them
  • to be able to frame and reframe research questions based on exploration of your topic
  • to empower capacities for independent learning and lifelong learning
  • to develop academic literacy skills and learn to learn competences
  • to demonstrate a proactive approach to research

If I don’t know in which area your topic belongs and where information could be located, better not to start with search because this could happen - What to do with such a huge amount of search results? (Note for design: this last paragraph should be in a cloud, with an image of the person who speaks on the left and with a screenshot of google search below the cloud)