Directions for Researchers of the Investigation

The following are several approaches to getting background information on an energy effect or issue. Always keep your research question in mind as you work. Continually ask yourself, Will this information help answer the research question? What else do I need to know to answer the research question?

 

Literature Review (Secondary Data)

You can get background information about the effect from reading printed materials such as encyclopedias, text- books, reference books, magazines, and newspapers. The World Wide Web often has information about energy-related topics. Continually summarize what you read to determine how it applies to what you already know. Remember to stay focused and limit your search to facts and data relevant to your research question. Try to find similarities and common themes among your readings. See if you can identify three to five main points for each article. If you are studying an issue, analyze what you read to see if there is a viewpoint expressed. Use the Value Descriptors to categorize these viewpoints.

 

Firsthand Data (Primary Data)

Whether you are investigating an energy effect or analyzing an issue, it is interesting to find out information first hand, especially if you are studying a local effect or issue. Your teacher may have copies of surveys or survey ideas you can use to collect data. Other contacts include the local utility, the Wisconsin Energy Bureau, the Energy Center of Wisconsin, and the Department of Energy. Your teacher may provide a list of other resources.