This list describes research skills used in advanced studio practice. Use it to identify and articulate skills relevant to your discipline.

• Use complex strategies to retrieve relevant information from a variety of sources

• Identify databases and indexes and original or copyrighted materials appropriate to the project

• Use advanced research sources to locate materials such as doctoral dissertations, unpublished research, artifacts and primary documents

• Identify and locate resources in related disciplines

• Use team skills to efficiently and effectively research a topic

• Search the Internet in a targeted way

• Analyze a scenario or topic by identifying the type of information needed

• Evaluate the findings and select the most reliable information, and apply the findings to meet the need

• Locate information on various sides of an issue and assess its credibility

• Present a cogent argument as to the value and reliability of sources used

• Distinguish one’s own new interpretation or original contribution from the writings of others

• Collect a broad spectrum of data on an issue to develop multiple perspectives on a solution

• Analyze the structure and logic of supporting arguments or methods

• Accurately portray pertinent knowledge/information, even if it impacts the individual’s value system or counters a thesis argument

• Identify information and interpretation issues that remain after the completion of a project

• Successfully obtain legal access to all text and visual materials (quotations, photographs, original artwork, etc.), and appropriately indicate permissions granted

Adapted from: ARCL Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education + ARLIS Information Competencies for Students in Design Disciplines