Research Help

Introduction to Research

This guide will help you to analyze your topic, find materials, evaluate resources, and cite sources.

Where to get Research help

Library

Research and referencing help is available at the Library Service Desk. Help is also available via Online Chat, Email and Phone.

Research Consultations

Individual research consultations are provided for UC staff researchers & higher degree research students. To make an appointment for a one-to-one introduction to discipline-specific resources Book a Research Consultation.

How to find journal articles

Journal articles will form an important part of your research. Most of the journals subscribed to by UC Library are available online. Search the Library collection using Library Search or the Library Subject Guides to find journal articles. For help on how to search for journal articles, please go to Ask a Librarian.

Peer-reviewed (Refereed) Journals

Articles published in peer-reviewed or refereed journals are subjected to a strict approval process. One or more experts on the subject act as referees who review the article before it is accepted for publication. This process is designed to ensure the article is accurate, well researched, and contributes to the body of knowledge in a field.

How to search for peer-reviewed journals

Many databases allow you to restrict your search to peer-reviewed or refereed journals. Look for this as one of the options for limiting your search in a selected database
Ulrichsweb. To determine if a particular journal is peer-reviewed, enter the title or ISSN in the search box. In the results of your search, the symbol of a basketball referee's shirt beside the journal title indicates that it is peer-reviewed (refereed).

Study Skills

Study Skills offer a range of on-campus workshops, tutorials and consultations. In addition, their online Study Help resources provide downloadable handouts and advice on a huge range of academic skills, including:

Study and time management
Reading and note-taking
Participating effectively in lectures and tutorials
Working in groups
Critical thinking
Oral presentations / Writing an essay / Writing a report
Reflective writing
Referencing