• Understand your assessment question. • Read the instructions carefully. • Identify the main keywords, search terms and phrases. • Summarise the topic in your own words.
Analyse the question using key words
In order to decide how to answer an essay question, you need to identify what the question requires in terms of content and genre. This guide outlines some methods to help you analyse essay questions.
Video on understanding your assignment question
This video helps you to break down an assessment question into key concepts, identifying synonyms and applying these search terms in tools such as Library search.
2. Course Resources
•Check the library website to see if there is a Course Resource related to your topic. • Course resource list subject specific books, eBooks, websites, articles and more to get help you get started. • Each topic in Library Course Resources includes links to many useful websites.
Course Resources
One of the best starting points on the NMT Library website for finding content for your assessment.
3. Research and Note-taking
• Develop your topic, analyse and take notes. • Do a preliminary search for information. • Locate your materials or resources.
4. Search the Library Catalogue
• Use the Library Catalogue to find background information. • You can find books, eBooks, journals, articles, videos and electronic resources by using the Search the Library Catalogue box below or on Library Catalogue Advanced Search. Use the filters and limits in the Library Catalogue Advanced Search tool to optimise your searches.
• If you need to use databases to look for journal articles for your assessment you have the option to select subject-specific databases. • Use the dropdown in the Online Resourcessearch box, to view a list of databases that focus on your discipline. • Watch the video below on how to search for Journal Databases.
6. How to Search ProQuest
• ProQuest is one of our online databases. • Watch the video below on how to find quality articles on a specific topic or subject in ProQuest.
7. Database Searching - Use Boolean Operators
• Combine your terms with three Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to create your search terms to enhance your search. AND - is used between terms to narrow your search. OR - is used between terms to broaden your search. NOT - is used to omit a term from your search.
Combine your terms using Boolean
A search strategy is an organised structure of key terms used to search a database. The search strategy combines the key concepts of your search question in order to retrieve accurate results.
Database Search Tips: Boolean operators
The key to being a savvy online searcher is to use common search techniques that you can apply to almost any database, including article databases, online catalogues and even commercial search engines.
8. Why Can't I Just Google?
•Brainstorm alternative search words and enter your search words into the Google or Google Scholar. • If Google Scholar is not finding any articles or information on your topic. Start by finding your topic on databases, eBooks, video online from Online Resourcespage or on Course Resources Guides page. • Google can be used for a basic overview to find general information about a topic, but there are limitations. The information may be out of date or biased. Not all information is credible. Google only searches 10% of information.
Google Scholar
You can find articles that have been cited by other authors or publications. Find more recent papers on the same or similar subject or discover how a known idea or innovation has been confirmed, applied, improved, extended, or corrected.
9. Search other Websites
• Search other websites. • You can broaden your search by searching other online resources for example from the State Library of Western Australia.
10. Referencing - APA 7th Edition
• Make sure you have enough ideas and evidence from valid sources. • Write your assessment and report. • Make sure the sources you used are cited properly. • Check your referencing styles is correct. • Use the American Psychological Association (APA) style of referencing 7th edition. • For information on referencing see the APA Referencing Guide.
Reference Large language Model AI - ChatGPT
11. Proof-read and Review Your Assessment
• Read through your text and check for any spelling, grammar and punctuation errors. • Use a spellchecker to check grammar, spelling and punctuation. • Choose accurate and clear language. Be concise.
12. Submit an Assessment in Blackboard
• Finally, submit your assessment before or by the due date in Blackboard.
