How should you handle excerpts that think might want to cite when are preparing note cards in the data-gathering process?

Here's how to handle excerpts you want to cite when preparing note cards during data gathering:

1. Separate Note Cards for Excerpts and Ideas

* Excerpt Cards: Use these for direct quotations or paraphrases.

* Write the full excerpt on the card (or a key portion if very long).

* Include source information: author, title, page number, publication date, etc. This is crucial for accurate citation later.

* Idea Cards: Use these for your own thoughts, analysis, or interpretations of the excerpt.

* Reference the excerpt card: Write the card number of the related excerpt card (e.g., "See Excerpt Card #3").

* Clearly state your thought or idea: Don't just rephrase the excerpt, connect it to your own analysis or argument.

2. Organization and Clear Labeling

* Card System: Choose a system that works for you (e.g., color-coded, topic-based folders, alphabetical order).

* Labeling: Use clear and concise labels for each card to easily find information later.

* Source Citation: Be consistent in how you format source information on each excerpt card. This makes citing later much smoother.

Example Note Cards:

Excerpt Card

Card Number: 3

Source: Smith, J. (2023). _The Power of Storytelling_. New York: Penguin.

Excerpt: "The most powerful stories are those that resonate with our emotions, making us feel connected to the characters and their experiences." (p. 45)

Idea Card

Card Number: 5

Related to: Excerpt Card #3

Idea: Smith's argument about the importance of emotional connection in storytelling resonates with my own research on the impact of narrative on audience engagement.

3. Additional Tips

* Note Taking Strategy: Use a consistent strategy (e.g., summarizing, paraphrasing, direct quoting) to ensure you're capturing the key information.

* Double Check: Verify all source information is accurate before moving on.

* Digital Notecards: Consider using a digital note-taking app that allows for easy organization, tagging, and cross-referencing.

Key Benefits of This Approach:

* Organization: Keeps your research materials structured and easy to find.

* Citation Accuracy: Ensures you have all the information needed for accurate citations in your final paper.

* Analysis Focus: Encourages you to think critically about the excerpts and connect them to your own ideas.

* Time Saving: Makes writing and editing easier by having all the information organized and ready to use.