When doing research, it is important to understand...
The resources on this page will guide you through effectively evaluating the sources of information you find and use for your research and assignments.
| Use the SCAAN test to determine what to look for when deciding if an online resource is appropriate for your paper | |
|---|---|
| Source Type | Does this source include the information or evidence that you need for your assignment? Is it the right type of source? (do you need to find a peer-reviewed article or a government document) |
| Currency | Is the source up to date? Do I need historical information for my topic? |
| Accuracy | Does the author provide links to other sources that support their arguments? Is the information accurate? Are there any contradictions? |
| Authority | Is the author reputable? Are they active in the field? Could they bring any biases to the information? |
| Neutrality | What is the purpose of the source? Is it intended to sell something or inform? |
What is the distinction between popular and scholarly sources? Below is a chart comparing works with a more scholarly focus and those that are less so. Additionally, there are three main types of publications:
For a detailed chart comparing these three types of publications, visit:
| More Scholarly | More Popular |
| Publishing source: Academic journals, government, some magazines and journals | Publishing source: Trade journals, magazines, newspapers, websites, blogs |
| Author: Expert on the topic, someone who works in or knows that field | Author: Anyone; may be a reporter or someone who feels like writing on the topic |
| Audience: Specialized (often of peers or students), people interested in the topic | Audience: The general public |
| Goal: To inform or present research; answer the "so what?" questions, make connections between variables/issues | Goal: Generally to entertain or persuade, may inform; answers the "who, what, where, and when" questions |
| Content: Research-based | Content: Reporting events, the findings of others, or personal experiences; opinion-based |
| Reviewers/Editors: Generally peer-reviewed or fact-checked by peers or staff editors | Reviewers/Editors: Staff editor may review |
| Format: Standardized (for scholarly articles and formal reports); variable for other publications | Format: Variable: includes websites, blogs, and infographics |
| Citations: Generally includes references, footnotes and/or links to sources | Citations: Usually none, may link to related resources |
| Vocabulary: Complex, generally technical and focused on the field, formal | Vocabulary: Familiar, non-technical; may focus on an emotional appeal |
| Graphics: Used to illustrate a point | Graphics: Used for visual impact |
| Title: May include: report, study, findings | Title: Often general, usually catchy |
| Examples: Annals of Psychology, Mother Jones, National Academies Press | Examples: People, Time, My Blog |