Starting out

Before you begin, think about what you already know about the subject. Try:

• Dictionaries, encyclopaedias and annuals e.g. Collins, Oxford

• Newspapers and popular subject magazines e.g. New Scientist, National Geographic

• Textbooks and handbooks in your chosen subject 

These will provide you with definitions and summaries that may help define your topic. You should find these resources in your school or local public library. Think about your topic and the keywords and search terms that relate to it. Make a note of: 

• Variant spellings - UK/US e.g. organisation/organization

• Variations in meanings and synonyms

You may need to narrow the scope of your topic so think about what is relevant. Are there limitations?

• Geographic – is your focus world-wide or country specific?
  
  
• Time – what era are you focussing on? A specific century, decade, or event?

Search 

It is a good idea to start in your school library, though you may also find it helpful to go to your local public library.

• Use your keyword/search terms to search the library catalogue
  
  
• Make a note of the books and materials you think will be useful
  
  
• Start with the most recent publications first and work back

You may need to extend your search to include other resources. Some reliable websites include:

Evaluate your results

It is important that you evaluate the information you find. In simple terms this means adopting a critical view and not accepting what you find at face value. Consider whether the information is relevant to your topic. You will also want to look at the accuracy of the information and whether it has come from a reliable source. There are some key questions that you can ask when evaluating information:

Author

• Is the information written by a respected author or organisation? Does he/she provide any professional background information?
  
  
• What is the domain name of the website?

Content

• What is the focus? Is the information biased?
  
  
• Who is the intended audience? School children or specialist researchers?
  
  
• Are there limitations? Timespan e.g. current/historical? Geographic area?

Currency

• When was the information published?
  
  
• When was the website last updated and is it still maintained?

Plagiarism and referencing

When reading text books, research papers and journal articles you will see that authors include references to the work of other people at the end of the text. This is an important part of writing academically to:

• Show the extent of your research so that the reader can identify your sources of information;
  
  
• Avoid plagiarism.

You will find some useful information and advice on recognising and avoiding plagiarism on our Plagiarism: information and advice page.