Peer review is an editing process in which a scholar's work is reviewed by experts in a field before being accepted for publication.
More credence is given to journal articles that have gone through a peer review process, ensuring accuracy of content.
NOTE:
Remember in addition to direct quotes you also have to cite your sources for:
There are even methods for citing class discussions and personal communication like interviews and email.
Don't take shortcuts--when in doubt, cite!
Can I use this?
Anyone can publish on the internet. Resources found in the library have gone through an evaluation process before they get to you. If you choose to use the internet for research, you need to evaluate the information yourself by asking these questions:
Authority
Accuracy
Currency
Coverage
Purpose
Although this list of questions is not exhaustive, do you feel confident that the information presented on the website you are evaluating is of use for you and your research?
Database Commands -- Boolean Operators:
Journals |
Magazines |
|
Nature of Content |
Scholarly; often (but not always) peer-reviewed / refereed. |
Popular, i.e., written for the general public. Magazines range from very sophisticated to very basic. |
Articles |
Detailed reports of original research or experiment. |
Secondary reports or discussions; may include personal narrative, opinion, anecdotes. |
Author |
Usually scholar(s) with subject expertise identified, and credentials are given |
Often a professional writer who may or may not be identified, and may or may not have subject expertise. |
Audience |
Scholars, researchers, and students. |
General public; the interested non-specialist. |
Language |
Specialized terminology or jargon of the field; often requires prior knowledge. |
Vocabulary in general usage; understandable to most readers; average reading level: 8th grade |
Layout & Organization |
Formal organization; articles often begins with an abstract, i.e. summary. If reporting experimental findings, notes the experiment’s purpose, method, results, analysis of the results, and conclusion. Bibliography listed at the end of the article. May include charts or graphs, but rarely photographs. |
Informal organization: eye-catching type and formatting, usually includes illustrations or photographs. May not intend to present an idea with supporting evidence or come to a conclusion. |
Bibliography & References |
All quotes and facts can be verified with citations. |
Rare. Scanty, if any, information about sources. |
Examples |
The words “journal” or “review” often appear in the title. |
Almost anything available in a store or newsstand. |
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