EMET 2170: Quality Management for Manufacturing: What am I looking for?

Scholarly article, aka academic article, aka peer-reviewed article
Written by experts in the field, include references and have an academic style.
Examples: Pediatric Physical Therapy, Journal of Teaching and Learning

Popular article, aka magazine, aka periodical
Written for a general audience.
Examples: People, Sports Illustrated

Trade journal, aka professional journal
Written by experts in the field, mainly intended for other practicing experts. Not academic and usually focus on practice and conferences, etc. 
Example: Diesel Tech Magazine

Primary source
Created at a specific time or the time of an event
Examples: A photo of a Civil War camp, a letter home from a soldier, a newspaper article

Secondary source
Analyzes primary sources. Written after an event.
Example: A book about the Sherman's March to the Sea

Image from the University of Binghamton library

There are two major things to consider when deciding on the type of source(s) to use:

1. Did you instructor tell you what type of source to use, for example scholarly articles only?
2. What type of evidence do you need to answer your research question or make your argument?

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   If you need....	Try using
   Expert advice, in-depth information	Scholarly articles, books
   Public or independent opinion on an issue	Newspapers (editorials), magazines, websites
   Basic facts about an event	Encyclopedias, newspapers, books
   Eye-witness accounts	Newspapers, websites, primary sources
   Information about a very recent topic	Newspapers, websites
   Local information	Local newspapers
   Information for professionals working in a field	Trade journals