A Comprehensive Guide to Researching for Your Assignment

Let’s be honest—when it comes to assignments, the actual writing part is only half the battle. The real challenge? Research. Whether you're working on a short essay, an extended report, or a full-blown dissertation, effective research lays the foundation for everything.

And yet, so many students approach it like a last-minute treasure hunt: typing a few keywords into Google, clicking the first link, and hoping for the best.

Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. Research can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start—or worse, if you think you’re doing it right but end up with weak sources, outdated facts, or irrelevant material.

That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive, no-nonsense guide to help you research smarter, not harder. You’ll learn practical strategies to find reliable information, evaluate your sources like a pro, and organise your notes for writing success.

Let’s dive in.

1. Start With a Clear Research Question or Topic

The biggest mistake students make when researching is jumping in without a clear direction. If you don’t know exactly what you're looking for, you’ll end up wasting time reading random articles that may not even be relevant.

So, before you touch a search bar, ask yourself:

• What is my assignment asking me to explore?

• Do I need to argue a point, explain a concept, or compare ideas?

• Are there specific themes, keywords, or subtopics I should focus on?

Try to narrow your focus with a working title or question. For example:

• Broad: Climate change and its impact on the environment

• Refined: How has climate change affected agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa?

This one shift can make your research ten times easier—and more relevant.

2. Use the Right Research Tools (Not Just Google)

Let’s be real—Google is convenient, but it’s not the best tool for academic research. What you really need are scholarly sources. That means peer-reviewed journal articles, academic books, and reputable databases.

Here are a few research goldmines worth checking out:

• Google Scholar – A better version of Google for academic papers.

• JSTOR – Great for humanities and social sciences.

• PubMed – A go-to for life sciences and health-related fields.

• ScienceDirect – Offers peer-reviewed scientific articles.

• Your university library’s database – Often the most powerful tool you have access to (and already pay for in tuition!).

Also, don’t overlook subject-specific databases. For instance, if you’re in law, something like LexisNexis is a must. If you're in business, check out Business Source Complete.

Pro Tip: Use Boolean operators like AND, OR, and NOT to refine your searches. For example: "climate change" AND agriculture AND "Sub-Saharan Africa"

3. Talk to a Librarian or Academic Advisor

Think librarians just check out books and shush people? Think again.

University librarians are trained to help you with research. They can:

• Point you toward databases for your subject area

• Help refine your research question

• Teach you how to use advanced search filters

• Guide you in citation styles

Many universities also have academic writing centres where you can book 1:1 sessions for research or writing support. If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, don’t wait—ask for help.

(And if you’re juggling multiple deadlines or feeling the pressure during assessment season, you can even explore external support like tutoring services or online exam help—as long as it's ethical and within your school’s guidelines.)

4. Take Smart, Organised Notes

Raise your hand if you’ve ever read 10 articles, bookmarked 7 tabs, and then… completely forgot where that one important quote came from. 🙋‍♀️

We’ve all been there.

That’s why organising your notes from the beginning is a lifesaver. Here's how to do it right:

• Use digital tools like Notion, Evernote, or OneNote to create notebooks for each assignment.

• Create separate sections for each source and include:

  • Author, title, publication date, and link

  • Key points or arguments

  • Any direct quotes (with page numbers!)

  • Your own thoughts or critiques

Don’t just copy and paste—paraphrase in your own words to help with understanding and avoid unintentional plagiarism later.

If you're someone who prefers pen and paper, that’s fine too. Just make sure you can track where each idea came from.

5. Build a Working Bibliography as You Go

You might think, “I’ll do the bibliography at the end,” but trust me—it’s way easier to start early. Every time you decide to use a source, add it to your reference list right away in the proper format.

Whether you’re using APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago style, having citation info ready saves tons of time later. Use citation managers like:

• Zotero – Free and open-source

• Mendeley – Great for collaborative research

• EndNote – Often used in scientific disciplines

• Cite This For Me – A quick online tool for generating references

Your future self will thank you when you’re not scrambling at 2 AM trying to remember where that quote came from.

6. Use Academic Reading Strategies

Academic texts are not meant to be read like novels. They’re dense, dry, and often packed with jargon. That’s why smart reading strategies make all the difference:

• Skim first. Read the abstract, intro, subheadings, and conclusion.

• Highlight strategically. Focus on topic sentences, definitions, and key arguments.

• Take margin notes. Ask questions or jot down your reactions to what you’re reading.

• Don’t read everything. You’re looking for relevant sections—not trying to memorise the whole article.

If you're short on time, use "triage reading": prioritise the most useful and relevant sources, and skim the rest for any hidden gems.

7. 

Evaluate Sources Like a Critical Thinker

Just because something appears in a journal or a book doesn’t mean it’s perfect. You still need to evaluate every source you use. Ask yourself:

• Is it credible? Who wrote it, and what are their credentials?

• Is it current? Is the information up to date or outdated?

• Is it relevant? Does it directly support your topic?

• Is it objective? Is there any bias in how the information is presented?

One helpful framework is the CRAAP Test:

• Currency

• Relevance

• Authority

• Accuracy

• Purpose

This simple checklist can help you avoid sketchy websites or articles with an agenda.

8. Stay Focused and Avoid Research Rabbit Holes

Ever start researching one thing and end up reading about something completely unrelated an hour later?

It happens.

To avoid this:

• Set a timer. Work in focused 25–30 minute sessions (Pomodoro Technique).

• Define your research goals for each session. For example: “Today I’ll find 3 sources for my literature review.”

• Limit your tabs. If it’s not relevant, close it.

• Use distraction blockers like Freedom or Cold Turkey if needed.

Research is a marathon, not a sprint. Staying focused helps you finish faster—with better results.

9. Keep an Open, Curious Mind

Finally, remember that research isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about discovery. Some of the most powerful assignments come from students who follow their curiosity.

If you find something surprising or contradictory, dig deeper. Ask questions. Challenge assumptions. Think critically. That’s where real academic growth happens.

And don’t be afraid to refine your argument as you research. The best essays evolve as your understanding deepens.

Conclusion: Research Like a Scholar, Write Like a Pro

Researching for your assignment doesn't have to feel like wading through a swamp of confusing articles and endless tabs. With a clear plan, the right tools, and a bit of curiosity, you can make the process smoother—and maybe even enjoyable.

Start with a focused question, explore credible sources, take smart notes, and stay organised. Most importantly, engage with your topic. The better your research, the stronger your assignment will be—and the easier it will be to write with confidence.

So next time you sit down to begin an assignment, remember: strong writing begins with smart research.

About the Author

Jasmine Adams is a former university lecturer turned academic coach with over 12 years of experience helping students master the art of research, writing, and critical thinking. She’s passionate about demystifying academic work and believes anyone can write a brilliant paper with the right tools. Outside of academia, you’ll find Jasmine hiking, sipping chai lattes, or geeking out over true crime documentaries.