Guide: Develop a Search Strategy
Define your topic
It may seem obvious, but the first step is to make sure you understand the topic or question. You may find it helpful to consider the following questions.
Understand the topic or question
- What are the main issues?
- What do you already know about the topic and what do you need to find out?
- Read through notes from lectures and highlight important sections.
- Consult the relevant section of the course textbook.
- Use specialised encyclopedias and dictionaries to find definitions and background information. These can be found in the Reference Collection of each campus library. Some are also available online. See General Encyclopedias or go to a relevant Subject Guide and check the Reference link to find subject specific encyclopedias and dictionaries.
Consider the type of information you require
- How much information do you need? Lecturers often give guidelines regarding the number of sources you are expected to consult.
- What level of quality and accuracy do you need? Do you need to use only academic sources, or are popular sources, like newspapers and web sites, OK?
- Do you need current information or is older material relevant? Sometimes you may need both as you might be required to provide an historical background to a topic as well as current material.
- Do you need primary sources that give an original account of research, or secondary sources that are interpretations of another's work.
- Does your information have to be about New Zealand or can it give an international perspective?
If you don't understand what you have to do for an assignment, ask your lecturer, tutor or a tutor at the Learning Skills Centre.
