Intro to Criminal Justice (CRJ 100)

Characteristics of a Scholarly Source:

• Peer-Reviewed, articles have been approved by professionals within the same field
• Author of source generally has a degree on topic/subject they are writing
• Intended for audience with basic understanding of topic/subject
• Sources are cited
• Text/Graphic Dense

Example of a Scholarly Source:

Advances in Wound Care: The Journal for Prevention and Healing

• Available through online database
• Indicates it is peer-reviewed
• An online search of an author's name reveals he has a medical degree (related to subject of journal)
• Few ads, ads present are related to the subject or professional field associations

Characteristics of a Popular Source:

• A lot of advertisements
• Intended for general audience who may not have basic understanding of topic/subject
• Does not cite sources as a rule
• Author may not be considered an expert on topic/subject
• Picture dense

Example of a Popular Source:

National Geographic

• Many ads by popular mainstream companies selling products like cameras, alcohol, and insurance
• Mix of authoritative authors and authors with little subject authority
• No indication of peer-review
• Many pictures with short articles
• Few to no cited sources

Depending on your information need, use the following criteria to determine if a source is providing good information. 

Currency: The timeliness of the information.

• When was the information published or posted?
• Has the information been revised or updated?
• Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?
• Are the links functional?

Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs. 

• Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
• Who is the intended audience?
• Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
• Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
• Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper? 

Authority: The source of the information.

• Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
• What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?
• Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
• Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
• Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net 

Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness and correctness of the content. 

• Where does the information come from?
• Is the information supported by evidence?
• Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
• Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
• Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
• Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors? 

Purpose: The reason the information exists.

• What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?
• Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
• Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?
• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
• Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases? 

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