Research Skills

Research and Information Literacy skills

This guide will help you develop the skills you need to write successful assignments.

Topics:

• How and why we research

• The different types of assignments you may be asked to write

• How to critically evaluate the information you find

• Tips for writing and referencing

Research

Whether you realise it or not, research is something we do all the time. Finding out the weather forecast, what movies are showing at the cinema, shopping for a new phone or finding out about your favourite musician are all forms of research!

However, the places you look for information in your daily life are not the same as the sources you should consult for your assignments. This guide will explain the difference and give you some tips to help you identify sources that are appropriate for your studies.

Why do we research?

The ability to research, find, and evaluate information is an important part of participating in society

When researching for your assignments you will need to vary the methods you use to suit the topic and  the requirements of your assignment. This section will cover the types of research you may need to do and how to get started.