It may seem obvious to enter your entire question into a search engine, or to ask a generative AI tool to provide the answer. Both approaches will be beneficial to an extent but will also give rise to multiple areas of potential misinterpretation, reflect any in-built bias and lack consistency.

Instead, consider working through your requirements looking at the core concepts, alternative descriptions, the types of information required and potential locations.

• What details, theories or other details do you need to find, or explore?
• Which of the topic words included in the task guidance will help me fulfill the task?
• Are any clues given as to the type of information I should look for?
• Do these clues suggest any obvious search resource?

There are many types of information that we may need to find but these broadly fall into three groups:

• Factual information includes facts, figures, data or measurements that can be checked for accuracy.
• Exploratory information enables you to learn more about a topic to deepen your understanding and enhances your ability to discuss and critique relevant aspects, issues and developments.
• Conceptual information applies to explanations, theories, models and frameworks. These demonstrate the evolution and reasoned development of an idea – or concept – and can help you to develop a deeper understanding of complex ideas.

There are also a wide range of sources in which these details can be found. Commonly used sources include audiovisual, government documents, public and professional-oriented websites, specialist data sources and academic books and journal articles among others.

See our Information Sources guide for a more comprehensive listing.

Some questions to help you assess your information need are:

• Are you looking for background information about the topic?
• Do you require policy statements, guidance or financial documentation from a government department, statutory agency or other professional group or commercial organisation?
• Does specialist guidance apply?
• Are you seeking recommendations from mentors or others' personal experiences?
• Should you be preferring academic level evidence?

Identify the core concepts and contexts for your question/topic.

Identify the types of information you need: Factual, Exploratory or Conceptual information.