Subject Guides
CC-BY-2.0 Susan Halfpenny
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.
Statistical data relating to a population and particular groups within it; provides insight into the composition or characteristics of such a group.
Statistics, datasets, market reports, government reports, country reports...
The circumstances or situation pertaining at a particular time or underlying a particular event; includes causes, origins, and history.
Dictionaries, encyclopaedia, textbooks, literature reviews...
Recognised criteria used to define actions, protect individuals and groups, regulate procedures, and certify performance; usually produced by government, organisations, and professional bodies.
Policies, standards, statutes, codes of practice, command papers...
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.
Pamphlets, websites, strategy documents, annual reports...
Particular attitudes towards a way of regarding something; the aspect of the subject, as perceived from a particular point of view.
Books, journal articles, newspaper articles, reports...
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.