How to find references for assignment
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Build a solid understanding of the topic first by using reliable basics (such as Wikipedia) and then consulting relevant books.
Briefing
Finding credible references for an assignment starts with getting clear on the topic and the assignment rules—then using the right search tools to locate citations that match those expectations. The first step is building a solid grasp of the subject so the research process doesn’t become guesswork. That can mean reading background material from reliable general sources such as Wikipedia to understand core concepts, and then moving to a relevant book for deeper detail. Once the topic is clear, the next phase is citation hunting, but it should begin by checking what the instructor actually requires.
Assignment requirements vary by academic level and by course goals. A bachelor-level task may allow broader sources, while master’s by research and PhD assignments often emphasize research literature. In those higher-level settings, instructors frequently expect citations drawn specifically from research journals, meaning students should prioritize scholarly articles over general web pages or non-academic summaries. Before searching for papers, students should confirm whether the assignment calls for particular types of sources—such as specific books, general articles, or research journals—or whether it grants freedom to use any of them.
With the requirements identified, the search strategy becomes more targeted. For locating research articles, Google Scholar is recommended as a starting point because it is widely accessible and relatively easy to use. It also helps when students lack subscriptions to academic databases, since Google Scholar often surfaces free versions of papers alongside paywalled results. The transcript also notes that other databases can be used when available, including Springer, Emerald Insight, and JSTOR, but these come after the initial alignment with the assignment’s source requirements.
A practical workflow emerges: first learn the topic using authentic background resources (Wikipedia for basics and books for detail), then read the assignment brief to determine the acceptable citation types, and finally search for matching scholarly sources using tools like Google Scholar (or other databases if access exists). The process is designed to reduce irrelevant citations and ensure the references meet the instructor’s expectations, especially in research-heavy assignments where journal articles carry the most weight.
Cornell Notes
The reference-finding process begins with understanding the topic and the assignment’s citation requirements. Students should first build background knowledge using reliable sources like Wikipedia and then consult relevant books for more detailed coverage. Next, they should check what the instructor expects—source types can differ by degree level, with master’s by research and PhD work often requiring citations from research journals. After clarifying those rules, Google Scholar is recommended as an accessible starting tool, especially when students don’t have access to subscription databases. When available, databases such as Springer, Emerald Insight, and JSTOR can also be used to locate scholarly articles.
Why does topic understanding come before searching for citations?
How should students decide what kinds of sources to cite?
What is the recommended starting tool for finding research-article citations?
What other databases can be used if access is available?
What should a student do if they need free articles?
Review Questions
- What background resources does the transcript recommend using before searching for citations, and why?
- How do citation requirements typically change between bachelor-level work and master’s by research or PhD assignments?
- Which search tool is recommended as the starting point when students may not have access to subscription databases, and what advantage does it offer?
Key Points
- 1
Build a solid understanding of the topic first by using reliable basics (such as Wikipedia) and then consulting relevant books.
- 2
Read the assignment brief to determine the required citation types, since expectations vary by degree level and course goals.
- 3
For master’s by research and PhD-style work, prioritize research journal articles when the instructor expects research literature.
- 4
Use Google Scholar as a convenient starting point, especially when you need accessible or free versions of papers.
- 5
If you have access, search additional databases such as Springer, Emerald Insight, and JSTOR to broaden results.
- 6
Match every citation you plan to use to the instructor’s stated requirements before finalizing your reference list.