Before you start researching, make sure you understand exactly what the assessment task is asking. This helps you stay focused, find the right information, search more efficiently and meet the assessment criteria.

Start with your Subject Outline. Carefully review:

• The assessment task description
• The rationale
• The marking criteria and standards

These will highlight key concepts you need to cover and the types of sources to use.

Think about the kind of information you’ll need for your assessment task. This might include definitions, statistics, academic theory, community perspectives, or current opinions.

Also, check your assessment instructions to see if you need to use specific types of sources, like peer reviewed or scholarly articles, grey literature, news items, case studies, or primary and secondary sources.

For example, your subject outline might say:

• Synthesises information from a range of credible sources beyond the required readings
• Includes at least 7 references with a mix of textbooks, research articles and reputable websites
• Applies relevant standards or design guides to support the solution
• Justifies design choices using comprehensive evidence from research and practice
• Provides a concise background to the problem, supported by well-chosen references that frame the design challenge

Now that you know what type of information you need, the next step is to plan your search.

• Start by identifying the main concepts or keywords of your assessment task 
• Brainstorm synonyms and related terms.
• Then consider whether there are any limits that will help focus your search. Common examples include date ranges, geographical focus, or publication type. 

Let's use an example research essay: 

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using seawalls to reduce coastal erosion.

*Broad terms like these may not work well in databases. Use specific advantages or issues as keywords, and add new relevant terms as you discover them.

For guidance in topic analysis check out:

Generative AI tools can be helpful study companions — they can support your thinking, help you explore new ideas, and guide you toward useful resources.

You might use Gen AI to:

• Generate topic ideas or refine research questions
• Clarify tricky terms or complex concepts
• Suggest useful sources or recommend databases
• Improve your keywords or search strategies

Important: Always check your subject outline to see if using AI tools is permitted. Using AI without permission could breach academic integrity rules.

Think of AI as a starting point — a way to support your research, not replace your critical thinking or use of credible academic sources.

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