How to get started on a research-based assessment

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How to get started on a research-based assessment

You have just been given your first research-based assessment – now what?

Starting out with a new assessment can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled some of the Study Support team’s top tips to guide you through it. If you’re looking for advice on assessment writing in particular, check out the Library’s latest post: 10 writing tips from our Study Support team.

Start early (your future self will thank you)

Good research takes time – often more than you expect. Starting early means less stress, better sources and time to ask for help if you get stuck.

The Learning Lab provides a range of resources that can help you with time management and time-consuming tasks, such as referencing. Check out the Assessments section to get started.

Quality beats quantity

You don’t need a lot of sources – you need the right ones.

A few high-quality, scholarly (peer-reviewed) sources that directly support your argument will do far more for your marks than a long list of weak or irrelevant ones. Depending on your topic, you might also use:

industry or company reports
government data (e.g. ABS)
country or policy reports
grey literature.

These can strengthen your argument and show deeper research.

Where you search matters

Google is easy – but it’s not always enough.

Use LibrarySearch and subject-specific databases to find credible, academic sources. You can also filter for peer-reviewed or scholarly articles to improve your results straight away.

Can’t find what you need?

If your search isn’t working, give these tricks a go:

Try broader or more specific keywords.
Swap search terms with synonyms (e.g. ‘revenue’, ‘income’ or ‘earnings’).
Check your spelling.
Search in a different database.
Use double quotes to keep multiple-word searches together (e.g. “climate change”).

Also, don’t shy away from using Advanced Search! It can help you stay organised and get better results:

Filter for the type of resources you want.
Use AND to combine different ideas.
Use OR for synonyms.
Choose the areas of the Library Collections where you search.
Set dates to filter for currency of resources.

Screenshot on how to filter Library Collections

It might look more complex, but it actually makes searching faster and more effective.

Use Library subject guides to save time

Information and research experts in the Library have put together more than 100 subject guides tailored to various University schools and disciplines. These guides bring together the best sources for your area – databases, journals and trusted websites – all in one place.

Find yours early and bookmark it. It’ll make every future assessment easier.

Know the rules about AI use

Before using AI tools, always check if it’s allowed for your assessment – this can vary by course or even by assignment.

If you can use AI, make sure you reference it properly.

Ask for help

Seriously – you don’t have to struggle alone. Library support is there for a reason, and you’ll get to talk to real people who know how to help you find what you need.

There are three ways you can get help with your studies from the Library:

Ask: Submit your question to our team of Academic Skills Advisors and Librarians for an answer within one business day. You can also reach Ask the Library via chat or phone on weekdays between 10am and 4pm (Melbourne time) to speak with us live.
Drop in: Visit the team at the Study Support Hub at the City and Bundoora campuses – no appointment required.
1. Bundoora hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 11am–2pm
2. City hours: Monday to Friday, 12pm–4pm
Book: Schedule a specialist appointment with an Academic Skills Advisor, Maths and Science Skills Advisor or Librarian depending on your needs.

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