| When starting your research
you usually have a topic or assignment you need to find information
for.
Let's look at an example of an assignment question.
 |
Today’s mobile phones are
equipped with wireless data capability that allows email,
games, instant messaging, ring tones and videos.
Discuss the issues for consumers and society that may
result from the increased use of wireless technology. |
A well researched University assignment incorporates information
from a range of information sources. The
information you locate:
- helps you to develop your subject knowledge
- informs opinions and viewpoints you present in an assignment
Information Sources
A range of information sources is available to help you to
develop an answer to the question.
| Information Source |
Purpose |
| Subject
dictionaries and subject encyclopedias |
Definitions and some background information.
In the above example you may wish to look up terms
such as wireless technology. |
| Books
|
Broad information.
In the above example you may wish to find broad information
about consumer behaviour. |
| Journal
articles |
New research and current information.
In the above example you may wish to find academic
articles on the social and legal issues of specific
technologies. |
| Newspaper
articles |
Public opinion and daily news.
In the above example you may wish to find opinion
articles on mobile phone costs and spending.
|
| Internet |
In the above example you may wish to visit the
website of a phone manufacturer for information on mobile
phone technology. |
In this tutorial you will focus on books, journal articles
and items from a reading list.
Top of page
Finding Information
We will start by looking at finding information for a topic.
1. Start with your reading list
For each of your subjects you will receive a subject outline.
The subject outline may contain a reading list of useful
information sources.
- understanding reading lists
- finding items on a reading list in electronic or print
format
2. Find more information
For most subjects you are required to use more information
sources than listed in your reading list before writing
an assignment or presenting a seminar. To demonstrate this
we will look at a range of essay questions and search examples.
- identifying keywords
- finding books
- finding journal articles
Top of page
Using Information
After finding information you will need to evaluate what
you have found and then use it appropriately in your assignment.
Module 4 covers plagiarism.
Module 5 covers evaluating
and using information.
Work your way through all modules to complete the tutorial.
You have now finished module 1. You are now ready to move
to Module 2 Reading Lists
|
