Research strategies

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• Using information
• Selecting relevant information
• Using journals
• Use the resources at your disposal
• Manage your information

Using information

You will be expected to read books, articles and other material such as that on the internet or in libraries to get a good feel for the subject. It may feel at times as if you have far too much information. This is quite usual. Much of your time as a student will be spent:

1. Looking for information

2. Selecting information

3. Noting and recording information

4. Interpreting information

5. Organising information for different purposes

6. Referring to information in assignments

Selecting relevant information

As there is usually far more information available than you need, you need to make choices about what to read and use. Consider:

• Your purpose?
  What do you intend to do with each piece of information? Do you really need it? Can you do without it?
• What you already have?
  Brainstorm your knowledge of the subject or make a list of keywords for the subject. Use this to guide your search for information in the index at the back of books, in catalogues and on the internet.
• Is it the best source?
  Check whether the source is reliable, up to date, written by experts in the field, and relevant to your needs.
• Is it the best example?
  You will usually be able to refer to very few examples in your assignments and seminars. As you find more information, the latest information may be better than that you have already collected. Be prepared to put the less valuable information into a separate section which you use only if absolutely necessary. Keep evaluating which material is the most up to date and best for your purposes.
• How much do you need?
  Usually word limits are strict. You cannot usually make more than a few lines or a paragraph on any one example. Bear this in mind when you make notes so that you do not record more than you need. This will save you a lot of time.

Using journals

Journals are usually higher quality and are where most new research appears. It is essential that you familiarise yourself with the key journals for your subject. Find out:

1. When new journals appear.

2. What each one specialises in.

3. If they appear electronically.

4. Where in the journal article you will find the kind of information you need for the assignments you are set. Read the abstract and browse the rest of an article - this will help you to tell quickly whether an article is relevant for you.

Use the resources at your disposal

Visit the library or learning resources centre in your first few days at university. Familiarise yourself with the resources. Usually, these have a wide range of journals, CDs, audio-visual materials, as well as books. The catalogue may be available on-line. You may also be able to order books or renew books online. Most students have free access to the internet. There will be guidance on how to get passwords at your university and which search engines are most useful for your subject.

For more information on online reference, including referencing CD-ROM, Database programs, emails, electronic online journals, mailbase discussion lists, etc, see chapter 4 of Research Using IT

Manage your information

1. Browse through your files occasionally and take out information that you are unlikely to use. Store this at the back of your file or separately.

2. Label and file everything.

3. Keep lists of ISBN numbers, catalogue numbers or website addresses. This will save a lot of time looking things up later.

For more advice, see organisation skills, referencing and plagiarism and the Postgraduate students section.

For further information please see Chapter 6 of The Study Skills Handbook by Stella Cottrell. Please also see Research Using IT by Hilary Coombes and The Postgraduate Research Handbook by Gina Wisker.