When evaluating information sources, ask yourself the following questions:
Currency: Is the information in the resources current and fresh? Is it more the 5 years old? Is it considered current for its field?
Reliability: What kind of information is included in the resource? Is content of the resource primarily opinion? Is is balanced? Does the creator provide references or sources for data or quotations?
Authority: Who is the Author? Are they qualified or an expert in their field? Is there contact information for websites?
Accuracy: Can the facts be double checked against other sources? Are there good references/citations or does it link to other reputable resources (in the case of internet resources)?
Purpose: Do you understand the purpose of the resource? Is it presenting an opinion? Is it sharing research results?
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Characteristics |
Scholarly Journal |
Popular Magazine |
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Length |
Articles are usually 10 pages or more in length; providing in-depth analysis of topics |
Shorter articles (less than 10 pages), providing broader overview of topics |
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Written by |
Author usually an expert or specialist in the field, name and credentials always provided |
Author usually a journalist or a staff writer, name and credentials often not provided |
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Language/Written for |
Written in technical language for professors, researchers, students of the field |
Written at high school level for the general public |
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Coverage |
Original research results and scholarship |
Popular topics and current events |
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Frequency |
Usually quarterly |
Usually weekly |
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Format/Structure |
Articles usually structured, may include: abstract, literature review, methodology, results, conclusion, bibliography |
Articles do not necessarily follow a specific format or structure |
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Special Features |
Illustrations that support the text, such as, tables of statistics, graphs, diagrams, maps, or photographs |
Illustrations with glossy paper or color photographs |
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Appearance |
Serious and sober, with few colors and few or no advertisements |
Glossy, with pictures and advertisements |
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Editors |
Articles usually reviewed and critically evaluated by a board of experts in the field (known as refereed or peer-reviewed) |
Articles are not reviewed by experts in the field, but by editors on staff |
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References Cited |
Usually includes a bibliography and/or footnotes |
Usually has no bibliography or footnotes |
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Examples |
Ecology Social Science Quarterly American Political Science Review
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Time Newsweek Sports Illustrated Scientific American |
