Strong CIPD research is not about finding the most sources — it is about locating the most credible, relevant, and current evidence to substantiate each Assessment Criterion. This guide outlines a systematic research methodology that produces academically defensible evidence bases.
Phase 1: Map Your Evidence Requirements to Each AC
Before searching a single database, annotate your assignment brief with the type of evidence each AC requires:
- Does AC 1.1 require a macro-environmental analytical model? → Search for PESTLE, STEEPLE, Porter's Five Forces
- Does AC 2.1 require employee wellbeing frameworks? → Search for AMO model, Maslow, SDT (Self-Determination Theory)
- Does AC 3.1 require UK employment law? → Search legislation.gov.uk and ACAS codes
Phase 2: Locate Academic Sources
Tier 1: CIPD Official Resources (Always First)
The CIPD Knowledge Hub (cipd.org) provides authoritative, free access to: HR factsheets, research reports, Profession Map guidance, and Good Work Index data — all directly relevant to assignment questions and citable as primary-tier sources.
Tier 2: Peer-Reviewed Journals
Use these databases to find peer-reviewed HR journal articles:
- Google Scholar — Free access to academic papers and citation tracking.
- Emerald Insight — Leading HR and management journal database.
- JSTOR — Access to historical and contemporary social science journals.
- EBSCO Business Source Complete — Available via university library portals.
Tier 3: Academic Textbooks
Core CIPD-aligned textbooks (Armstrong, Bratton, Boxall, Purcell) provide foundational theoretical frameworks. Always cite the most recent edition available.
Tier 4: Government & Statutory Sources
Legislation (legislation.gov.uk), ACAS codes, ONS labour market data, and BEIS employment reports are all highly credible authoritative sources for legal and economic arguments.
Phase 3: Evaluate Source Quality (CRAAP Test)
| Criterion | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Currency | Published within the last 5–7 years for HR trends data. |
| Relevance | Directly addresses the AC topic being researched. |
| Authority | Authored by a named academic, CIPD fellow, or published by a recognised institution. |
| Accuracy | Peer-reviewed or published by an authoritative organisation. |
| Purpose | Written to inform/educate, not to sell a product or push a political agenda. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How many sources should a CIPD assignment have?
For a 3,000-word Level 5 assignment, aim for 12–18 distinct sources. For a Level 7 extended case study of 4,000+ words, 20–30 sources demonstrates appropriate research depth.
Q2: Can I cite my own organisation's HR policies?
Yes — as an internal document source. Format: [Organisation Name] (Year) Title of Policy. Internal document [anonymised]. Ensure you have permission and comply with your organisation's confidentiality obligations.
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