Your research will likely uncover information from multiple resource types. It's important to be able to distinguish between the different types of resources and learn how to read and use them properly. Below are three major types of resources you will encounter with tips on how to differentiate among them.
This video describes some of the distinguishing characteristics between scholarly publications and popular periodicals.
Created by Eli Moody, 2007.
Peabody Library, Vanderbilt University
You will likely run across a number of other resource types in your research. Below are a few common resource types and how to assess the quality and reliability of the information therein. As always, if you have any questions, ask a librarian!
Newspapers are generally focused on fact-based reporting and editorial content. While journalistic integrity is the stated goal of most newspapers, beware that bias is still present in many publications. Look to large, established, and widely accepted news organizations to ensure quality reporting. Check out this LibGuide on Newspapers @ Pitt for more information on locating newspaper sources.
Books cover a wide variety of information types, from fiction to non-fiction. Assessing the credibility of the content of a book and the degree to which that content is scholarly can be tricky. Look at chapters of the book to see if they resemble academic papers, general interest articles or trade articles. A good place to find books is through PittCat, the library catalog.
Many government agencies publish reports based on research or analysis conducted by their organizations. These are often considered reliable sources. The Technical Report & Image Library (TRAIL) database has reports from various U.S. and international government agencies.
Scholarly journals are publications that act as outlets for academic or professional research communities. These publications can represent any field of research (science, social science, or humanities) and often have strict guidelines for article submission, peer review, and publication.
Below are a few guidelines for identifying a scholarly journal:
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Trade Publications are publications issued by trade organizations that represent or are in some way affiliated with a specific trade group or organizational entity. Trade publications are often good sources for information about a specific industry. Be warned, however, that information in trade publications is often industry-sponsored and thus is unlikely to present all sides of an issue.
Below are a few guidelines for identifying a Trade Publication:
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General interest publications contain content that is meant for a general (non-academic, non-industry) audience. These publications often have a journalistic tone, but do not mistake these publications for true journalism - watch out for bias. Articles in general interest publications are usually reviewed by editors at the journal, not by an external review board.
Below are a few guidelines for identifying general interest publications:
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