Research Fundamentals: Step 1: Understand

• Read through your question or task to ensure you understand it
• Consider the objectives or purpose of the subject
• Read the marking criteria carefully
• Identify the type of assignment e.g. essay, report, review etc. 

       then...

• Highlight any keywords/topic words
• Underline any task words (directive words)
• Identify the scope or focus of the topic e.g. limiting to Australian information only, particular date range or population group
• Take note of word limit.

Make sure you understand all the words/phrases you have identified:

• Use a dictionary
• Textbooks can provide a good overview of a topic
• Wikipedia can also help define a topic but do not use it as a reference source.

Task words provide you with direction on how to answer your assignment questions.  
Glossary of task words

Selecting resources to back-up your assignment will be governed by the type of information you require.  The quantity of resources needed will depend on your level of research, the conditions set by your assignment question, and the complexity of your assignment topic.  For questions about the number and types of resources required, check your assignment sheet or clarify with your teacher.

Books

• Useful for understanding a topic
• Can provide an overview of a topic
• Can provide definitions 
• Can also provide in-depth analysis & discussion 
• Check the publication date to make sure information is current
• Refer to the contents page at the front of the book and index pages at the back

Encyclopedias/handbooks/directories

• Useful for defining a topic & background information
• Some books also provide this type of focus.

Journal articles

• Check for scholarly/peer-reviewed
• Find current research
• Narrower in focus
• Reference lists & cited source

Conference papers

• Papers presented at discipline specific conferences
• Current research

Newspapers

• Commentary or opinion
• Overview current events/topic