Everyone has their own method of taking notes. Below are some suggestions that have worked for me:
1. Be selective when choosing a reference. Should you find that there are a lot of resources available to you be sure to take information from works that clearly relate to your thesis, remembering that you may not use them all.
2. Another method for recording a working bibliography, of course, is to create your own database. Adding, removing, and alphabetizing titles is a simple process. Be sure to save often and to create a back-up file.
3. Take notes on either uniform note cards or uniform slips of paper. Devote each note card to a single topic identified at the top. Write only on one side. Later, you may want to use the back to add notes or personal observations.
4. Include the number of the page(s) where you found the information. You will want the page number(s) later for documentation, and you may also want page number(s)to verify your notes.
5. Be sure not to write just to fill pages. Make every word count. You are striving for substance, not quantity.
6. Keep direct quotations at a minimum.
7. When you have finished researching your thesis and you are ready to write your paper, organize your cards according to topic.
As you research, create a working outline that includes the note card headings and explores a logical order for presenting them in your paper.
