Skip to Main Content
PolyU Library

InfoLit for Study and Career

Discover, evaluate, and connect to succeed in university study and future career.

Tip 1: What is research "information needs," and why is outlining them important?

"Information needs" refer to the specific range of information required to produce compelling research outcomes. Each research project has its unique set of information needs, as no two projects are exactly alike. This is due to several factors:

o    The world is constantly evolving, meaning research conducted a few years ago may already be outdated.
o    Every research project is distinct, with differences in research questions, hypotheses, design, subjects, and more.
o    The claims or conclusions that each research project aims to establish are not identical.
o    There are no universally "correct" or "perfect" answers in research.

Understanding and defining the information needs for your research is crucial to ensure that your work is relevant, accurate, and impactful.

Develop a “Work plan” is Essential for University Success

When preparing for research tasks such as articles, essays, projects, reports, or theses, it's essential to engage in a series of preliminary steps to refine and expand your research topic before diving into the actual search. Here's a guide to help you get started:

1. Identify Key Concepts

2. Associate Key Ideas with Existing Knowledge

3. Explore Background Information

4. Draft a Framework

5. Utilize Appropriate Tools and Resources

Types of Research Outputs and Their Significance in Academia

During your university studies, you'll encounter a variety of assignments that you'll need to submit to your professors. But do you fully understand what these assignments entail? Below table are some common types of research outputs you'll likely encounter in an academic setting, each serving a unique purpose in your educational journey:

Case study
  • Demonstrate or enhance your understanding of professional practices through detailed analysis of a single example.
  • Offer a comprehensive description of a specific case with multiple dimensions, along with recommendations for future actions.
Critique
  • To demonstrate and deepen your understanding of the subject, your work should include a descriptive account with an explanation, highlighting your ability to evaluate its significance.
  • It should also feature an evaluation, possibly including a test to further support your analysis.
Design Specification
  • To demonstrate or improve the ability to design a product or procedure that can be manufactured or implemented, it's essential to concentrate on several critical elements. This process involves clearly defining the purpose, thoughtfully selecting components, and creating a detailed proposal.
  • Furthermore, it may require developing and testing the design to ensure its feasibility and effectiveness.
Essay
  • To demonstrate your ability to construct a coherent argument and apply critical thinking, ensure your work includes a well-structured introduction, logically developed arguments, and a compelling conclusion.
Event Recounts
  • To understand the motives and behaviors of individuals or organizations, present a narrative of events—fictional or factual—with optional commentary for deeper insights.
Explanation
  • Demonstrate and deepen your understanding of the subject and your ability to articulate its significance through detailed description and comprehensive explanation.
Methodology Recounts
  • To effectively document experimental findings, it's important to follow a structured approach that reflects a strong understanding of disciplinary procedures, methods, and conventions.
  • Typically, this involves organizing your work into sections such as Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. These can be arranged sequentially or iteratively, depending on the research type and disciplinary norms. This structure enhances clarity and ensures compliance with academic standards.
Problem Questions
  • To practice applying specific methods to simulated professional problems, this involves identifying the problem (which may not be explicitly stated) and presenting relevant arguments or potential solutions in response to the scenario.
Proposal
  • To showcase or enhance the ability to advocate for future action, including purpose, a detailed plan, and persuasive arguments, similar to professional or academic proposals.
Research Report
  • To showcase or enhance the ability to conduct comprehensive research, including design and understanding its significance in the field. This involves the student's research aim/question, investigation, and connections to existing research in the area.

This information serves as a starting point for tackling your assignment once you receive the requirements from your professor. If you have any uncertainties, it's best to seek clarification from your instructors or professor, as they are the ones who will be evaluating your work. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights and ensure that you meet their expectations.

Identify Functional Verbs from the Research Topic

Regardless of the degree you are pursuing or the type of research task you are undertaking, function verbs in research topics play a crucial role in defining the scope and nature of the information you need to gather. 

Below is a table that deciphers the most commonly used function verbs in research topics, helping you understand their implications for your research approach.

Account for

Analyze

Apply

Assess

Comment on

Compare

Contrast

Critically

Define

Describe

Differentiate

Discuss

Enumerate

Exemplify

Evaluate

Examine

Explain

Explore

Generate

Hypothesis

Identify

Illustrate

Interpret

Investigate

Justify

List

Outline

Prove

Relate

Review

State

Summarize

Trace

Source: English Language Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University http://www2.elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/eap/functionsexplanation.htm