Are you beginning a research project?
Click here for a printable pdf version of the following information
Here's what you need to know!
There are many sources of information available to you, and thus, it is important to know where to access resources for your academic research that are reliable, accurate, objective and current.
The purpose of this guide is to point you in the right direction and introduce some invaluable tips and resources to get the most out of your online research.
There are many sources of information available to you, and thus, it is important to know where to access resources for your academic research that are reliable, accurate, objective and current.
The purpose of this guide is to point you in the right direction and introduce some invaluable tips and resources to get the most out of your online research.
What are RELIABLE sources?
Reliable or academic sources may include:
- Professional Journals / Articles
- Edited books
- Government websites / reports
- Professional Association websites
- Historical society websites
- University websites/articles
- Newspapers
- Wikipedia Popular magazines
- Blogs
- YouTube channels
Online Search ToolsEBSCOhost – an online database (collection) of academic articles, journals, images and news.
Killara High School pays a subscription so that you can access this treasure trove of online academic articles, books, photographs, videos etc. EBSCOhost login details: Go to: http://search.ebscohost.com Ask library staff for the username and password Once you are logged in, scroll down and choose the 'Explora Secondary Schools' service link. Enter your search terms into the search bar or click on one of the listed categories or topics.
If you click on one of the listed categories or topics, the first search result will be a Topic Overview which may be useful for your research. *Tick the Peer Reviewed checkbox to see only articles that have been rigorously reviewed by other academics. *Tick the Full Text checkbox to see only full articles. *Change the Publication Date range to narrow your search to more recent articles. |
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Google Scholar
Search for academic articles through Google
1. Go to “Google Scholar”
3. Enter your search terms
4. Look for articles with a [pdf] link in the right-hand column
5. Change the date range to narrow your search to more recent articles
1. Go to “Google Scholar”
3. Enter your search terms
4. Look for articles with a [pdf] link in the right-hand column
5. Change the date range to narrow your search to more recent articles
How to find License-free Images using Google
You can only use online images in your work if they are freely available and are not restricted by copyright. To locate unrestricted images:
- Go to 'Google Images'
- Search using keyword/s
- Click on 'Settings'
- Click on 'Advanced Search'
- Scroll down to 'Usage Rights'
- Select 'Free to use or share' OR 'Free to use share or modify’
- Click 'Advanced Search' button
Online Search Tips
Watch this YouTube video “How to Google like a Pro” for some excellent tips on effectively targeting your online searches.
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Academic Articles – a close-up look
Once you have found an academic article, read the abstract (summary) to see if it is related to your topic or focus question. If so, save it in your research folder and then use the references at the end of the article to lead you to more related resources on your topic.
*The following image shows you the main parts of an academic article.
*The following image shows you the main parts of an academic article.
Referencing
- Your teacher will tell you which referencing style to use for your assessment
- Find an online referencing guide for that style – university guides are often good
- eg: http://libguides.mq.edu.au/referencing
- Be consistent (use the same referencing style throughout your assessment)
- Reference all of your sources
- Avoid plagiarism (which is neglecting to acknowledge your sources) by making a list of your sources as you use them
- Reference as you go!
Using Microsoft Word to Reference your Work
* A huge time-saver!
* You can easily insert references, footnotes and citations into your work, and create an instant Reference List (bibliography/works cited), using Microsoft Word.
(NB: Microsoft Word only supports certain referencing styles)
Click here for full Instructions on how to use Word to reference your work
Academic Misconduct / Malpractice (Plagiarism, cheating & collusion)
Academic Misconduct / Malpractice may include:
* Copying or building upon ideas or quotes from a source without acknowledging the author (plagiarism)
* Copying another student's work and passing it off as your own (cheating)
* Collaborating extensively with another student on an individual task (collusion)
The Killara High School Assessment Policy states:
“Students determined to have been involved in malpractice in relation to any assessment task, including exams, may expect to receive a zero mark for that task.”
Note: Teachers at Killara High School often submit assessments using Turnitin (the Internet-based plagiarism detection service). Any plagiarism will be automatically picked up by the Turnitin service.
* Copying or building upon ideas or quotes from a source without acknowledging the author (plagiarism)
* Copying another student's work and passing it off as your own (cheating)
* Collaborating extensively with another student on an individual task (collusion)
The Killara High School Assessment Policy states:
“Students determined to have been involved in malpractice in relation to any assessment task, including exams, may expect to receive a zero mark for that task.”
Note: Teachers at Killara High School often submit assessments using Turnitin (the Internet-based plagiarism detection service). Any plagiarism will be automatically picked up by the Turnitin service.
Join Public Libraries to access quality resources for free!
You can broaden your research and get a great head start in your research by using the huge variety of resources available at many libraries, rather than only relying on the Killara High School collection. You can easily join all of these libraries and access all of their resources for free.
National Library of Australia - Trovehttps://trove.nla.gov.au/
Find and access Australian and online resources: books, images, historic newspapers, maps, music, archives and more. State Library of NSW
https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/
The State Library of NSW has amazing research and other HSC resources on their website. Just search for “State Library HSC Base Camp” and “State Library NSW eResources” The State Library also holds free 'HSC Help' sessions for English, History and Society & Culture twice a year. City of Sydney Libraryhttps://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/explore/libraries
Any resident of NSW can join the City of Sydney library online for free, and access their huge range of resources online or in print. Your Local Libraryhttp://www.kmc.nsw.gov.au/Services_facilities/Facilities_and_venues/Ku-ring-gai_Library
Your local library will have a selection of HSC and other resources in print and online, and may give you access to online subscription databases for academic research. Search for your local council library on Google: Eg: “Ku-ring-gai Council Library or Hornsby Council Library" |
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Get the most out of your research with the following resources.
Recipe for Research: A Six-Step Process
Click on the link above to access a printable guide from EBSCO which offers a six-step process for acquiring and organising information for a research assignment, with emphasis on writing an essay or report.
Looking for Reliable Information?
Click on the link above to access 3 tips from EBSCO to find trustworthy sources and sites.
Click on the link above to access a printable guide from EBSCO which offers a six-step process for acquiring and organising information for a research assignment, with emphasis on writing an essay or report.
Looking for Reliable Information?
Click on the link above to access 3 tips from EBSCO to find trustworthy sources and sites.