Skip to Main Content
Rider University Libraries

CMP-125 (Ross, Spring 2022)

Hints

CMP 125 Assignment Prompt: Evaluation of a Scholarly Source

Due 2/14

**Remember to submit your essay on Canvas before class AND turn in a printed copy in class.** 

For this assignment, you will use the library databases to find a scholarly source (an academic article or book chapter) that addresses the problem you have identified. You should print, read, mark up, and reread this source. You will submit a marked-up (or annotated) copy of this source with a 2-3-page (600-900 word) evaluation of the source that accomplishes the following:

  • Cites the source accurately in MLA or Chicago style;
  • Summarizes the central research question and main idea of the source;
  • Explains the conversation to which this source contributes;
  • Explains the audience for the source and how it appeals to this audience;
  • Explains how the source uses evidence and what kinds of evidence it uses to support its ideas;
  • Considers how the source changes or expands your perspective.
  • Compares and contrasts the source to the scholarly source in terms of audience, tone, purpose, and/or use of evidence.

The article or book chapter should be submitted with your evaluation.

Popular, trade, scholarly?

•Who is the publisher?
•Who are the editors?
•What is the purpose/who is the audience?
•What kind of content?
•What is the style of the content?
•What can you tell about the authors/contributors?
•Visual cues?

So, you find a great article on the Internet? How can you tell if it's good to use? 

Questions to ask include: What kind of source it is (news, magazine, blog) ? It is reputable or fake news? Should you trust the reporting and journalism? What is the bias of the publication? Is coverage fair? If it's a blog, who is the blogger and do they have authority and expertise?

Right now we will cover how to tell what you've got and how to learn about the resource.

1. From the website itself.

  • Search the header and footer (if you can beat an endless scroll kind of website) of the webpage. Is there an About Us or Contact section? Check it out. It can tell you:
    • Who owns or sponsors the publication (a corporation, an organization, individuals)
    • Who the editor(s) are.
    • The history and philosophy of the publication, and what it covers.
    •  How pieces are solicited. Do they have a staff of writers? Do they accept submissions?
    • If you can't find this information, ask yourself why do they not want you to know this?
  • Do the articles have authors?
    • Click on the byline to see what else they have written or to see their biography.
    • Google the author to see what you can learn.

2. Search the Internet about it.

  • Open a new tab and search for the website name. What do others say about it?

3. Use the library database UlrichsWeb Global Serial Directory to tell you more.

  • Type of publication:  news, magazine, trade, or a scholarly/academic journal? 
  • Publication frequency
  • Subject areas
  • Editor information and contact information
  • Availability/subscription
  • Whether it is indexed in library databases (this may or may not be an indication of quality)

What can you learn about the following, for example, using these methods?