Researching
Information for assignments can come from many different sources:
- Textbooks
- Other books
- Journal articles
- Websites
The most useful sources are usually identified by your lecturer. They are given in reading lists from lectures or study guides. These sources have been hand-picked for the course, and so are likely to be particularly relevant.
They are usually ‘academic’, meaning that they come from a recognised authority in the subject and have been vetted by other authorities (peer-reviewed). Academic sources are generally reliable and thorough, making them valuable for your research.
When looking for information outside the recommended readings, academic sources are particularly valuable. See identifying academic sources for more on recognising academic sources.
Not all sources are created equal. They can be out of date, or offer only a limited perspective. They can be inaccurate, or even completely wrong. When looking for information, evaluate the quality of sources that you use.
Library research
The best place to find information is the Massey Library. Many of the books and journals here have been chosen directly by your lecturers, and the library has greater coverage of academic subjects than most general-purpose libraries.
The process of researching through the library (identifying keywords in your assignment topic, finding the best search terms, using the library databases) is described in detail on Massey Library's website:
Postgraduate students are welcome to make an appointment with a Subject Librarian: