USP 317U - Introduction to International Community Development: Source Types

What kind of sources should I be finding?

The answer to this question is: it depends. As featured in the following video, it's important to consider how or what you might do with the sources you find. Sometimes the information you need is published in investigative journalism papers, or magazines. Sometimes its in local or regional newspapers. It could also mean that sources written and published by NGOs are relevant to your research topic. Of course, scholarly articles are also important, but don't limit yourself if what you need to do with a source or bit of information is relevant but NOT published in a peer-reviewed journal.

This three-minute  video explains the BEAM research model developed by Joseph Bizup (2008).

When you have a research assignment , note what types of articles are required evidence for your thesis or question. Some professors require you to use only scholarly peer-reviewed journals while others might allow professional or trade journals and newspapers.

Scholarly article - Peer-reviewed or scholarly articles are written by an expert or scholar in the field and reviewed by peers who are experts in the same subject.

Professional/trade article - Trade or professional journals have articles written by experts in the field or by staff writers. The articles are reviewed by the editor. The articlesusually do not include reference lists.

Popular journals - Popular journals or magazines are written for a general audience rather than for professionals or scholars. Examples include the New Yorker, National Geographic, and the Rolling Stone.