Bedford Researcher- Ch.6- Managing Information and Taking Notes

    In this chapter, The Bedford Researcher shares how to pick apart your sources to find what's relevant to your topic by taking note and organizing the information. It also allows you to access and use your info easier and more effectively. Taking notes and organizing information also helps abstain from plagiarism. 

    Organizing your information will help with your efficiency and help keep track of your sources so you don't lose them and can use them later.

    If you take notes, it will also effect your efficiency as it helps you locate the most important or relevant information, ideas, arguments, passages, quotes, images, or tables within your sources. Taking notes also allows you to comprehend what that sources are saying and connect the information to your previous knowledge. Also, The Bedford Researcher points out ". . . helps you better understand the issue and lays the groundwork for your own contribution to the conversation you've decided to join." (102)

    Some effective ways to take notes include: using direct quotes, paraphrasing (to incorporate the information into your document more clearly), summarize long passages, jot down your reactions and impressions, compare your different sources, classify the sources, and plan your document using your notes.