Gingrich Library: Your Success Is Why We're Here!
When evaluating information sources, ask yourself the following questions:
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)?
Currency: Is the information in the resources current and fresh? Is it more the 5 years old? Is it considered current for its field?
Objectivity: Is the resource free of bias or opinion? Is the author trying to sell an idea, product or point of view? Is the information factual and objective rather than subjective?
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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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Slant |
Supposed to present objective/neutral viewpoint; |
May reflect the editorial bias/slant of the magazine |
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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 |
