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Eng 151 Evaluation of Sources

This guide provides guidance for evaluating sources of information for academic research. Primary, secondary, scholarly, and popular sources are discussed, as well as tools/rubrics to use when evaluating information sources.

Popular Publications

  • Glossy, colorful, many images.
  • Extensive advertising.
  • May be broad-based (general) or focused on a specific topic.
  • Articles of varying length; often short.
  • Articles rarely have bibliographies, works cited lists, or reference lists.
  • Authors may be on staff or freelancers.
  • Articles are often about current events.

                                  

 

Source: Leatherby Libraries’ FFC Script (2012)
 

Scholarly Publications

  • Typically focused on a specific topic.
  • Usually contain few images and advertisements.
  • Written for a specific audience (students, professors, researchers).
  • Articles include bibliographies, works cited lists, or reference lists.
  • Articles have standard sections (Abstract, Methodology, Results, Discussion, Conclusion or Summary, References).
  • Authors are scholars in the field; often have a university or college affiliation.
  • Articles less likely to provide one-sided views or opinions; purpose is to inform and to add to the knowledge base of the subject.
  • Articles are peer reviewed.

                                        

 

Source: Leatherby Libraries’ FFC Script (2011)