Comparing+Information+from+Scholarly+Journals+and+Popular+Magazines

=Comparing Information from Scholarly Journals & Popular Magazines= toc

Objective:
To enhance one’s understanding of the structure of scientific literature and how it reflects the deliberative process of science

Task:
To compare information found in primary research articles (//not// review or mini-review articles) with information on a similar cell biology-related topic from the popular literature.
 * See Ursuline College Library Handout: Types of Periodicals: Biology
 * See [|Periodical]
 * See [|Magazine]
 * See [|Journal]

Problem #1:
Some Ideas – only a sampling:
 * //Choosing a topic//** –//unique for each paper & person!// Think about something that interests you and then “scope it down” to the cellular level.
 * cellular effects of vitamin C deficiency or lead poisoning
 * how termites digest cellulose
 * why scientists look for life in the universe by looking for water
 * origin of (cellular) life
 * mitochondrial Eve
 * stem cells
 * genetic control of breast cancer
 * antibiotic-resistant microorganisms

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Problem #2:
Identifying a //primary research article// in a scholarly, peer-reviewed journal (1)
 * //Finding the article(s)//**
 * Brainstorm keywords you will use for your search via OhioLink databases – not “googling”
 * Choose an article you can understand! Do //not// settle for the first article you see.
 * Read the article to ensure it appeals to you. Only then confront Problem #3!

Identifying //an article from the popular literature// in a magazine (1)
 * This may be an article (//Time, Newsweek, Science News, The New York Times,// //etc////.//) that initially piqued your interest in the topic //or// one also found via the library’s shelved or electronic volumes.
 * Read the article to ensure it appeals to you. Only then confront Problem #3!

Helpful Hints:
Types of Periodicals: Biology

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Problem #3:

 * //Dr. Bauer//** – she //must// approve your topics AND your articles //**__by__**// //**3pm Friday Feb 1st** for Paper #1 and **__by__** **March 17th**// for Paper #2. (This is likely to involve a 20 minute meeting with you each time, so make appointments beforehand!)

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Compare the Two Sources of Information

 * See (2)
 * Describe the __audience__ for which each source was “pitched”.
 * Describe the __format__ used to present the topical information in each source, //i.e.// the format – introduction, discussion of research methods, depiction of data, citing data, summary, statement of significance, etc.
 * Were there similarities and differences in the __information__/content presented – e.g., breadth or depth of coverage? Explain.
 * Compare the __tone__ of each source//, i.e.// its approach – factual? persuasive? anecdotal? etc.
 * How __objective__ is each source? Do they express any __preconceptions or biases__ regarding the topic?
 * Are there indications that the authors/researchers are __authorities__ in the field of the chosen topic? Are their __credentials__ or institutional __affiliations__ provided? Are __citations__ or other documentation provided of related work?
 * What evidence can you cite that indicates the __accuracy and currency__ of the information provided by each source?
 * Describe the __strengths and weaknesses__ of each source.

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Reflection:

 * What did you learn about searching for information using the different sources?

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For More Information:

 * 1** - An excellent resource for distinguishing scholarly peer-reviewed journals from popular magazines may be found at http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/EDP/peer.html and http://www.libraries.rutgers.edu/rul/indexes/scholarly_articles.shtml also contains helpful information.


 * 2** - Information from [|http://www.public.iastate.edu/~hd_fs.276/Assignment%201.doc] was incorporated in this list.