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Skills Guides

Choosing the right sources

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CC-BY-2.0 Susan Halfpenny

Information sources

You can use the Context Hexagon to help contextualise you research topic and identify which types of information will best address your information need. Examining your existing knowledge of the topic with reference to the six categories can help you identify what it is you already know and what you need to find out. Click on a context and see the appropriate resources to support it.

Demographics

Statistical data relating to a population and particular groups within it; provides insight into the composition or characteristics of such a group.

Key questions

  • Does you project focus on a particular group?
  • Do you know how big this group is in relation to the wider population?
  • What are the dynamics of the group (e.g. gender, background, beliefs etc.)?

Sources

Statistics, datasets, market reports, government reports, country reports...

Background

The circumstances or situation pertaining at a particular time or underlying a particular event; includes causes, origins, and history.

Key questions

  • Do you understand the terminology?
  • Can you describe the factors and influences leading to the scenario?
  • Are you aware of existing theories or schools of thought?

Sources

Dictionaries, encyclopaedia, textbooks, literature reviews...

Governance

Recognised criteria used to define actions, protect individuals and groups, regulate procedures, and certify performance; usually produced by government, organisations, and professional bodies.

Key questions

  • Do you need to consider legal provision?
  • Are there any standards or agreed procedures?
  • Are there consequences associated with failure to comply or act upon criteria?

Sources

Policies, standards, statutes, codes of practice, command papers...

Organisations

Bodies with a particular purpose, e.g. businesses, government departments or charities, with a responsibility for (or interest in) arranging, coordinating, gathering support, or providing information on the subject.

Key questions

  • Are there any regulating bodies?
  • Are there specific government departments, NGOs, or other organisations to consider?
  • What is the significance of these organisations?

Sources

Pamphlets, websites, strategy documents, annual reports...

Perspective

Particular attitudes towards a way of regarding something; the aspect of the subject, as perceived from a particular point of view.

Key questions

  • How does the topic connect to other issues, theories and disciplines?
  • How are the approaches to the topic similar and different?
  • Are there areas of conflict or disagreement?

Sources

Books, journal articles, newspaper articles, reports...

Scope

The extent of the area or subject matter which is relevant or possible to deal with within the constraints of the assignment. Your answers to the other elements of the hexagon will inform the scope you set.

Key questions

  • What will the project cover and what will it exclude?
  • Are there specific limits that you will apply to the project?
  • Is your research question expressed in a way that will allow you to retrieve appropriate information?

Developing a search strategy