Got a research assignment to write? The library is the best place to start with that research. A good place to start might be searching our catalogue. This will show you whether there are any books or journals in the library with information on your topic. Aside from our extensive physical collection, we subscribe to a number of online databases that can give you the best information available on all manner of topics.
It is OK to use Google to find background or general information as a starting point for assignments. But for scholarly research you need to find accurate information on your topic from a variety of sources. Prepare yourself for university and start looking for in-depth, accurate, well researched works written by academics and researchers. You can find these reputable sources in our research databases or by searching our physical collection for journals and books.
For a brilliant detailed description of research techniques and tips go to the State Library of Victoria's website on Research Skills. They have a section for each part of the process.
Steps in the process:
"In completing the research project I have":
Need help with the catalogue? Just read our FAQ page.
Steps in the process:
"In completing the research project I have":
Steps in the process:
"In completing the research project I have selected":
Steps in the process:
"In completing the research project I have":
Steps in the process:
"In completing the research project I have":
Steps in the process:
"In completing the research project I have":
Before you decide to use a webpage for your assignment, you need to evaluate it by these criteria. This is sometimes known as the 'CRAAP' test.
Look through the tabs and ask yourself these questions about the information you have found.
Remember - when evaluating sources, your assignment instructions play an important role as well because that is what dictates the type of information you are allowed or required to use.
If you want more evaluation help - go to the State Library of Victoria's site on selecting resources.
Evaluate sources based on currency by asking the following questions:
Currency is only important if your topic dictates using the most recent information available. For example, if you are writing a research paper about the Civil War, currency is not important. However, if you are writing about the treatments for autism, currency is important, as science and technology change quite rapidly.
Evaluate sources based on the content and relevance by asking the following questions:
If the content is lacking or does not address your topic, you should not use the source.
Evaluate sources on the authority of the author and the publisher by asking the following questions:
If you cannot find information regarding the authority of the author or publisher while evaluating sources, you should not use the source. For internet sources without an author, the reliability is in question. Websites or publications by government agencies or well-established non-profit organizations are more reliable even with the absence of a named author.
Evaluate sources on the accuracy of information by asking the following questions:
If you cannot verify that the information is correct or that the author is an expert on the topic, you should not use the source.
Evaluate sources on their purpose, objectivity and bias by asking the following questions:
The nature of your assignment and your topic determine how important it is for your sources to be objective. A lack of objectivity is not an automatic reason to dismiss a source if it fits the assignment and the topic while still allowing you to find other sources with opposing viewpoints.
Created by Michelle De Aizpurua