Ready to Ace the Big6 Research Model Quiz?
Explore the Big Six Research Steps and Test Your Knowledge
This Big6 Research Model quiz helps you practice all six steps - from defining the task and finding sources to organizing, synthesizing, and evaluating - so you can spot gaps and build strong research habits. Use it to prep for class or a project, then refresh basics with the intro to research quiz and go deeper with keyword research practice .
Study Outcomes
- Define Research Questions -
Apply the big6 research model to frame precise and answerable research questions that guide your investigation from the outset.
- Identify Relevant Sources -
Locate and select diverse, high-quality materials - such as databases, books, and websites - as practiced in our big 6 research model quiz.
- Evaluate Source Credibility -
Assess the reliability, authority, and relevance of information according to the big six research model standards to ensure trustworthy research.
- Organize and Synthesize Information -
Structure and integrate your findings systematically to build coherent insights that support your research goals.
- Reflect and Refine Your Strategy -
Analyze your research process to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses, then adjust your approach for more efficient outcomes in future projects.
Cheat Sheet
- Mnemonic for the Big6 Research Model -
Use the catchy acronym "TPLUSE" (Task, Plan, Locate, Use, Synthesize, Evaluate) to recall every step of the big6 research model effortlessly. Memorize a phrase like "Tom Plays Little Ukuleles Sunday Evenings" for extra flair. According to Eisenberg & Berkowitz, this kind of mnemonic boosts long-term retention of research workflows.
- Define Your Task with Precision -
In Step 1 of the Big6, distill your research question by applying the "Five W's" (Who, What, When, Where, Why) to focus scope and select strong keywords. For instance, instead of "climate change," narrow down to "impacts of ocean acidification on coral reefs." University of North Carolina guidelines show that clear task definitions save up to 30% of later searching time.
- Strategize Your Sources -
During Step 2, brainstorm diverse sources - academic journals, government sites, and interviews - to compare perspectives and ensure depth. Create a quick table of "Primary vs. Secondary" sources to visualize where your answers might live. Stanford Libraries research tips emphasize that plotting source types in advance increases search efficiency.
- Master Search Operators and Note-Taking -
Steps 3 & 4 use Boolean operators like AND/OR/NOT (e.g., "energy AND efficiency NOT solar") to filter results quickly in databases. Pair this with the Cornell note-taking system - cue column for keywords, notes area for details, summary at the bottom - to organize findings. Cornell University research guides report that structured notes raise comprehension and recall by 25%.
- Synthesize Findings and Evaluate Rigorously -
In Steps 5 & 6, turn your organized notes into outlines or reports, weaving in evidence with clear citations for credibility. Then apply the CRAAP test (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose) from Cal State Chico Library to rate each source's reliability. This final evaluation step closes the loop, ensuring your big six research model output is both accurate and persuasive.