Research skills allow you to find information and use it effectively. It includes creating a strategy to gather facts and reach conclusions so that you can answer a question.
Top tips
Starting your research
think about your topic – don’t be too vague or too specific (try mind mapping or keyword searching).
read broadly around your subject (don’t just use Google and Wikipedia). Think about a research question that is clearly structured and builds on literature already produced.
find information using the subject databases. View the Database Orientation Program to learn about databases and using search strategies to refine your search and limit results. View our library tutorial on planning your literature search and look at our library subject guides for resources on your specific topic.
Another good starting point for finding information is our library catalogue Library Searchwhich allows you to search across the library's electronic resources as well as major subject databases and indexes.
carry out a literature review. You may want to include journals, books, websites, grey literature or data and statistics for example. See the list of sources below for more information. Keep a record and organise your references and sources. If you are intending to carry out a systematic review then take a look at the systematic review page on our Research Support library guide.
evaluate your resources – use the CRAAP test (Currency, Relevancy, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose - watch the video, top right).
reach considered conclusions and make recommendations where necessary.
Your research journey.
Why do I need research skills?
they enable you to locate appropriate information and evaluate it for quality and relevance
they allow you to make good use of information to resolve a problem
they give you the ability to synthesize and communicate your ideas in written and spoken formats
they foster critical thinking
they are highly transferable and can be adapted to many settings including the workplace
You can access more in depth information on areas such as primary research, literature reviews, research methods, and managing data, from the drop down headings under Research Skills on the Academic Skills home page. The related resources in the right-hand column of this page also contain useful supporting information.
I've spent years immersed in the realm of research methodologies and information retrieval, both academically and practically. My background spans across academia, where I've conducted extensive primary and secondary research, delving into literature reviews, employing various research methods, and managing diverse datasets. I've navigated through subject databases, honing search strategies to pinpoint precise information and utilized library catalogues to access electronic resources and indexes.
Now, let's break down the concepts embedded within the article on research skills. It covers various key elements:
-
Topic Clarification: Effective research starts with defining a clear topic. Avoid being too broad or too narrow. Tools like mind mapping or keyword searches aid in framing a well-defined subject area.
-
Diversified Sources: Broadening research beyond standard search engines like Google and Wikipedia is crucial. Utilizing subject databases, library catalogues, journals, books, websites, and even grey literature and statistics enhances the depth and breadth of information.
-
Literature Review: Conducting a comprehensive review involves gathering information from diverse sources. Journals, books, websites, grey literature, and statistical data contribute to a thorough understanding. Organizing references and sources systematically streamlines the process.
-
Resource Evaluation: Employing the CRAAP test (Currency, Relevancy, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose) ensures the assessment of resources for their quality, relevance, and reliability.
-
Conclusions and Recommendations: Research isn't just about collecting information; it's about synthesizing it to draw informed conclusions and, when necessary, make recommendations based on the findings.
-
Importance of Research Skills: Highlighting the significance of research skills, the article emphasizes their role in locating relevant information, problem-solving, effective communication, critical thinking, and their adaptability across diverse settings.
-
Further Resources: The piece also points to additional resources for a deeper understanding of primary research, literature reviews, research methods, data management, and other related areas under the Research Skills section on the Academic Skills home page.
The article underscores the iterative nature of research, the importance of comprehensive information gathering, and the criticality of discerning quality sources for well-rounded, informed conclusions.
