Criminology and Criminal Justice: EVALUATING SOURCES

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Evaluating Books

The quality and relevance of information in books needs to be evaluated. Look for:

Authority of the authors, editors - Determine the expertise of the authors, does it match the subject content of their writing?

Scope of Content - Does the content cover your topic to the degree you need? Is it in-depth or does it simply provide an overview with little facts, details, analysis?

Timeliness - Is the content timely for your topic. This is determined by the time period of your topic.

For help finding book reviews see this research guide:
Book Reviews

 

Why Books?

Books are useful for in depth information, historical context, overview, synthesis and analysis. Often a chapter or two are all that is needed. The process of writing, editing and publishing means even the most recently published book may not contain the most current information on a topic.

Tips for searching MARQCAT

Identify words or phrases that represent the main ideas in your topic, then:

Try them as "Subject" searches, then use the catalog's suggested headings

Try the same words as "Keyword" searches

When you find a good book, check the subject headings in the record of that book for additional ideas

Why Articles?

Articles appear in publications called magazines, journals, periodicals, and newspapers.  Use articles for:

• most recent research on a topic
• coverage of very narrow topics
• coverage of current events
• contemporary accounts of past events and research

Evaluating Articles

Use critical thinking skills when deciding whether an article is appropriate to use. Consider:
Purpose: Is the intent to inform, entertain, persuade or educate?
Objectivity: Are various sides or points-of-view represented?
Author: Does the author have expertise on the topic?
Date: Is the information current or timely for your topic?
Bibliography: Are the authors sources of information cited completely.

Types of Periodicals

Periodicals, journals, magazines fall into 'categories' determined by their overall purpose.
Popular: Written for general public; authors and editors usually not experts in subject field; purpose is to provide current, societal/cultural news and discussion.
Trade: Written for individuals in a specific career/job or with a specific interest/hobby.  Authors are generally persons working in the field/hobby or journalists with specialized knowledge.  Articles discuss current issues but are not reports of research.
Scholarly: Written for, and authored by, researchers, educators, students.  Articles are reports of original research or other scholarly discussions.