1. Introduction to Research
English B1A
Introduction to Research

2. Types of Sources
There are several types of sources available to you at BC.
Books are available to you through the BC library. Books that you obtain here will most likely be credible, trustworthy sources.
The first type are periodicals.
Periodicals are sources that come out periodically. Here are some examples:
Magazines
Newspapers
Journals

3. Newspapers Newspapers are written for a general audience.
They generally give an overview of the issue (including what makes it newsworthy) in terms that most people can understand. They often don’t get very in-depth about the issue or cite the sources where their information came from
The goal of a newspaper is to inform the public and to make money

4. Magazines
Magazines are aimed at the general public. They are designed mainly to entertain. Their articles are typically written by magazine staff rather than experts in the field.
The goal of a magazine is to entertain/inform the public and to make money

5. Scholarly Journals
Journals are different from magazines and newspapers.
While newspapers and magazines are aimed at making profit, journals aim to further knowledge in a particular field.
While newspapers and magazines are aimed at general audiences, journals are aimed at other professionals in the field and scholars.
While newspapers and magazines can publish information without being “vetted,” scholarly journal articles are often peer reviewed.

6. Here’s a direct comparison
Magainze
Journal

7. Buyer Beware… Many of you will be asking, “Why not just google it?”
Information on the internet is plentiful and often incorrect.
You need to be able to carefully evaluate websites for accuracy of information and credibility before you ever cite one in a paper.