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Introduction to Communications (COM 111)

Understanding Context

Knowing whether information is accurate or authoritative on a topic is an essential aspect of information literacy. A helpful way to determine this is by reviewing the context of your information need. Below are some examples of how to interpret this principle in the research process. 

Take a moment to think about the context of a research project. Some questions to consider might be:

  • Who are some of the authorities in that field? 
  • What is the subject matter? 
  • Who is the intended audience? 

For more information on evaluating sources, check out these resources: 

What is Authority? 

Introduction to Bias

Types of Bias

Scholarly Sources vs Popular Magazines

Popular Magazines
Popular magazines and newspapers are published periodically and designed for a broad, general audience. Unlike scholarly sources, popular magazines do not regularly undergo peer review. 

Major characteristics of popular source articles:

  • Uses short sentences and simple language
  • The author reports information from interviews or second-hand sources
  • Sometimes the author is not listed, or qualifications are not indicated
  • Few or no references or bibliographies
  • Usually illustrated with colorful photographs
  • Often includes advertisements

Find out more about evaluating resources like popular magazines here: 

Evaluating Sources

Evaluating Sources

Scholarly Sources

A scholarly source is a magazine or periodical published regularly about a particular subject. Each issue contains multiple articles, often with a similar theme. Articles in scholarly publications are generally peer-reviewed and very focused in terms of topic and scope.​

Major characteristics of scholarly studies:

  • Reference/bibliographic list
  • Defined research question(s)
  • Qualitative, quantitative, or mixed research method
  • Sample(s) gathered from the population
  • Use of measurement instruments to gather data
  • Literature review
  • Inferences made from the findings
  • Scholarly, academic language
  • Tables and figures of findings


Find out more about scholarly sources with these resources: 

​​Peer Review 

Peer Review

How To Read Scholarly Materials

 

Scholarly Sources vs Popular Magazines

In many cases, assignments will require peer-reviewed journal articles or scholarly articles to be the basis of your research. Peer-reviewed articles require that experts in the field examine them before they are accepted for publication. This ensures that the research is sound and of high quality. Using this as the basis of your research will build credibility as you evaluate and synthesize their research. What are these articles, and what makes them different from articles from magazines like Time? 

Below are some of the major differences in periodical publications. 
 

Scholarly Journals Popular Magazines
Appearance Plain cover/plain paper; black/white graphics and illustrations Eye-catching cover; glossy; pictures and illustrations in color

Content

 Research projects, methodology, and theory Personalities, news, opinions, general interest
Audience Academic or professional: professors, researchers, students General public
Bibliography Always Rarely 
Advertisements Few or none Often
Abstract Often Rarely 
Writing Style Specialized vocabulary or jargon may require training or subject expertise to understand Vocabulary that can be understood by the general public
Examples Communication Research, Journal of Communication, Journalism History Time, Highlights, Answers in Genesis 
Peer-reviewed?  Always/Often Rarely/Never