Where do I look?

First seven steps

  • Find an issue or challenge you feel connected with. The topic should be something that interests you and something that you want to take action on.
  • Write down the change you want to see.
  • Write down how you think this change might be achieved.
  • List all of the things you think you know about the issue or challenge, what you don’t know and what you want to find out.
  • Talk about the issue with your family, friends, teachers or a responsible adult in some other organisation outside the school.
  • Use books, internet and the media to find out information and data about your issue, identifying the values and perspectives being presented.
  • Observe the world around you. An inspiration for an action or change can come from a range of sources.

Sources of information

When looking for information on your topic, make sure it is from a reliable source, is current and relevant to your issue. Here is a list of possible sources of information you can use and things you should look out for:

Books

several books
By looking for your search terms on an index page or reviewing the contents page, you can easily find out if a book is relevant to your issue. Librarians can also assist you in searching for a suitable book.

Internet

wifi
When looking for information on the internet you need to be aware that it is fairly easy to create a website and upload content. If you are exploring a complex issue; local, state and federal government websites are a good starting point to get your head around things. However, the internet should never be used as your only source of information.

Media
ipad with news title

The media frequently reports on topical political issues. You can use the Google News search function to find news articles on a specific issue. If you type next to your search term, ‘radio,’ the search will return a list of radio shows that have covered this topic. These often contain interviews with experts.

Docos

video camera

Over recent years many documentaries and short independent films have been made on a range of current local and global issues, such as environmental research, poverty and armed conflicts. These can often be found on YouTube, which also provides an overview and background information so you can check the validity of the ideas being put forward.

Research Template

https://guidetodemocracy.ecq.qld.gov.au/title-goes-here/

This document can help you in your quest for further information. If you are taking action on an issue with a group of people you could divide and allocate areas to be researched. Once you have each completed your investigations, consolidate and share your results.

View Article

Research Tips

  • Gather information and data from a range of sources, including observation and conversations with key people
  • Note that government, university and reputable organisation websites (e.g. Oxfam, on global issues) are reliable sources of information
  • Organise and record information in a range of appropriate formats
  • Distinguish facts from opinions
  • Analyse sources to identify different points of view and values, and relevant information
  • Collaborate to generate alternative perspectives on an issue or challenge
  • Develop solutions, including a plan for action
  • Present ideas, findings or arguments using appropriate terms and including a reference list
  • Reflect on comments and views expressed in forums to develop an understanding for what others think about a particular issue or challenge and ideas for how best to resolve it. Keep in mind that some people set up false identities in order to cause trouble or to encourage a particular point of view which may be biased and not based on fact.
Next: Detect the Bias