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Info Lit 8: Task Definition

The Big 6

Task Definition

  Task Definition

 

 

Define the information problem

  • What does the assignment require me to do?
  • What will my project/product look like if I do a really good job?
  • What problem needs to be solved?

Identify the information needed to complete the task

  • What information do I need to do my task?
  • How much information do I need?
  • What type of information do I need? (E.g. facts, opinions, graphics, charts, maps)

Applying Task Definition (8 minutes)

Using the chain of events planning sheet you are going to think about some tasks that you do and how you would break them down. Choose one of these:

1. Buying a gift for a person

2. Choosing what show to watch next on TV/Streaming/YouTube/etc.

3. Deciding what order to do homework in

4. Beating a video game or another team/person at a sport

Explain how you would complete this task in detail paying special attention to what information is needed.

 

Research and Essential Questions

An essential question is one with no easy answers. It's something that lies on the cusp of known and unknown. It intrigues us now and probably intrigued people in the past. It makes us wonder. It sparks the imagination. It is the root of science, of art, of humanity. It's the "What if..." thought that makes us go beyond what we knew before.

 

Research questions are more knowable than an essential question, but still have substance to them. They are ones we can think about and learn from, while still having access to the answers if we are willing to search for information and put it together.

Consider the following when developing a research question:

    Is it an open-ended question?​

    Is it appropriate in size? Or will it be too broad or too narrow?

    Does it suggest things that can be measured?​

    Is it relevant and interesting to my audience?

    Is answering the question manageable? Can I find and access enough sources to provide information to develop and support my ideas?​

    Do I find the topic interesting?​

Which of these are good research questions?

What is the history of hockey management?

This is a bad research question. The question is really broad and would take forever to answer.

Was there medicine in medieval Europe?

This is a bad research question. It has a simple yes or no answer, which doesn't allow for much thought or discussion.

Does McDonald's or Wendy's make a better burger?

This is a bad research question. What does "better" mean here? Better nutrition? Better tasting? Better value?

What was life like for 13 year olds in Spring of 500 CE in South West England?

This is a bad research question. The question is far too narrow and specific

What decisions made in a secret meeting caused Bioware to make Anthem bad?

This is a bad research question. You won't find information from secret meetings. The question supposes that one took place. It also assumes that Bioware tried to make Anthem bad.

Creating Research Questions

A good method for creating research questions is to use a KWHL chart like the one below. Let's have a go at filling it out together. Suppose your Hum 8 teacher gave you an assignment to write a paper on a notable scientist. You chose Ava Lovelace (she/her) from the list.

What I Know What I Want to Know How will I learn What I Learned
       

A KWHL chart can help you decide where to focus your research, what you should be looking for and where.

Create Your Own Research Question (30 minutes)

  1. We are going to choose the topic of Climate Change.
  2. Fill in the K and W of your KWHL chart
    • About 8-10 items for K
    • No more than 5 for W

After you have done your KWHL chart please fill in your Info Literacy Journal and hand it in to my hand-in.