Accuracy (and
with that can be added depth of information)
Currency (how
up-to-date the information is)
Often these
different criteria are at odds in evaluating information.
The Internet is undoubtedly the most current source of information,
updating itself in certain instances in a matter of minutes.
However, it can also be the most unreliable, in part due to
its currency. Information is often released before it can
be verified, and before a sense of perspective can be established.
Research studies, on the other hand, found in scholarly books
and journals are by far the more accurate sources of information,
offering the greatest depth of analysis; but because of the
time it …
Sources
of information
Primary
sources: "In scholarship, a manuscript, contemporary
record, or authoritative document related to a subject of
inquiry, which provides first-hand knowledge used in the
preparation of a derivative work. Primary sources include
correspondence, .. and other personal papers, photographs,
film footage, transcripts of interviews, government documents,
public records, newspaper clippings, etc." (ODLIS:
Online Dictionary of Library and Information Science).
These are current first-hand accounts useful in documenting
past events but lack the historic perspective of scholarly
research.
Secondary
sources: "Any published or unpublished work based
on research that relies on primary sources. Also refers
to any material other than primary sources used to prepare
a written work." (ODLIS:
Online Dictionary of Library and Information Science).
Included in this group would be scholarly works that draw
on primary sources as part of the research process.
Searching
for scholarly articles (Peer-reviewed journals)
The
easiest way to find scholarly articles on a particular subject
is to search the databases that allow you to limit your search
to peer reviewed journals (such as Proquest PA Research II
or Ebsco Academic Search Premier). Peer-reviewed journals
are scholarly publications in which articles submitted are
reviewed and critiqued by scholars in the field. Authors are
then obliged to respond to these critiques by revising their
work. Searching peer-reviewed journals is the best guarantee
of obtaining high quality scholarly material in your research.
Ulrich's International Periodicals Directory, available
in the library also has a complete listing of peer-reviewed
(or what they call 'refereed') journals.
Searching subject
specific databases, such as PsychInfo or Social Science Abstracts
will also provide you with scholarly material in the field
you are researching. If you already have the article in hand
and want to verify its scholarly level, try searching the
author's name in a database that you can filter for peer-reviewed
articles to see if he or she has published in this manner.
Characteristics
of a scholarly article
One of the best
ways to identify scholarly articles is by checking the journal
in which it was published. The editorial page will often indicate
that the journal is peer-reviewed (if indeed it is) and may
identify its policies, where it is indexed, and its intended
audience. Scholarly journals usually contain little or no
advertising (unlike popular journals) and are instead often
sponsored by a learned society or educational institution.
Scholarly articles
will always contain a bibliography. This is absolutely essential
to verify the validity of the article being published. Be
highly skeptical of articles that do not contain one. Other
characteristics of scholarly articles are:
Straightforward
titles that reflect the content of the written work and
are not overtly bombastic or clever in their use of word
play.
Concise and
useful abstracts.
A well-defined
structure that can include an introduction, literature review,
description of methodology, footnotes, discussion and conclusion.
Charts, graphs,
and tables providing information gained through the author's
own research. Illustrations may also be included but do
not confuse this with the glossy photo-spreads of popular
journal articles.
Author's credentials
including institution he or she is affiliated with.
Avoid popular
magazines and trade journals (issued for a particular industry
or occupation). Newspapers and news magazines may provide
interesting primary sources that can augment your research,
but make sure your work is firmly grounded in articles from
scholarly peer-reviewed publications.
The
easiest way to find scholarly articles on a particular subject
is to search the databases that allow you to limit your search
to peer reviewed journals (such as Proquest PA Research II
or Ebsco Academic Search Premier). Peer-reviewed journals
are scholarly publications in which articles submitted are
reviewed and critiqued by scholars in the field. Authors are
then obliged to respond to these critiques by revising their
work. Searching peer-reviewed journals is the best guarantee
of obtaining high quality scholarly material in your research.
Ulrich's International Periodicals Directory, available
in the library also has a complete listing of peer-reviewed
(or what they call 'refereed') journals.
