BIOL 100: Survey of Biology (Heare)

Video: Research 101: Format Matters

Source: "Research 101: Format matters" by Anna Eisen, is licensed under a Standard YouTube License.

Learn about the process behind how different formats are created, how to connect format to purpose and identify source types appropriate to a need. Also, learn that information may be perceived differently based on the format in which it is packaged.

Different Info for Different Purposes

Understanding Different Source Types 

Different source types may provide different kinds of information. Understanding source types can help you choose the best information for your needs!

The list below is not exhaustive. From tweets and blogposts to conference proceedings and reports, there is a wide world of information. Always consider WHO created the info and WHO reviewed the information, WHY they created it, WHAT they chose to include and not include on the subject, and HOW you know if the information is reliable.

example of sources 

Reference book articles, or academic encyclopedias, are a great place to start. 

Read reference for:
  • background knowledge
  • theoretical terms
  • an overview of the history of a subject or issues
  • key players
  • leads to more information.
 image of an encyclopedia book cover
Read books, book chapters, and essays in anthologies for:
  • in-depth analysis
  • history
  • opinion
  • theory
  • multiple perspectives
 book cover
Read newspaper articles for:
  • a daily account of events and issues on a local, regional, national or international scale
  • analysis of current issues
  • editorial and opinion pieces
  • business, environment and science news
 image of newspapers
Read magazine articles for:
  • more in-depth discussion of current events and issues in the news
  • longer articles written for an interested audience in lay-person language on technology, health, science, business and more
  • illustrations: charts, pictures and graphs
 magazine cover
View and listen to multimedia for:
  • documentaries on current science, engineering and business topics
  • informed discussion and analysis
  • case studies & personal accounts
  • background information
 image of a video online
Read trade articles to learn about:
  • news briefs or overviews of current research and tools
  • current trends and updates in the profession
  • professional terminology
  • opinion on governmental policy, current issues, and more
  • professional development
  • to find leads to more information on your subject
 professional journal: security management
Read scholarly articles and books to learn about:
  • current research
  • in-depth analysis
  • metareviews of the literature
  • professional terminology
  • find data, statistics, charts, and other factual information
  • to get a sense of the scope of the scholarly conversation on your subject
  • to find leads to more information on your subject
 image of Chemical Engineering Journal cover
 

Video: What are the Differences between Information Sources?

Source: "Types of Information Sources" by Research 101, is licensed under a Standard YouTube License.

Learn how to identify various information sources including news periodicals, trade publications, academic papers, and conference proceedings

Different Types of Scholarly Articles

Three types of scholarly article in the sciences.

A Research article reports on an original experiment or study that investigates a stated problem. The study is carefully controlled so that results are valid. Data is collected and analyzed, and conclusions are based on the evidence. Research studies usually open with a review of the existing relevant literature on the subject.

A Literature Review summarizes and analyzes the important articles on a topic. Literature reviews are a great resource for learning about the scope of research, questions and theories in a field, and for identifying common findings. 

A Theoretical article is an article that presents a theoretical approach to a question or field. It draws on others' research to support the theory, rather than presenting new research and data.

Conference Papers vs Peer Reviewed Articles: Scholarship on a topic is a process and researchers frequently seek feedback from other scholars by presenting their findings at conferences. Peer Reviewed Scholarship refers to articles that have gone through a rigorous quality review process by outside subject experts to be accepted for publication in an academic journal.