Research and Analysis

This project requires you to use "academic" or "scholarly" resources for your research.  What determines if a website or publication is "academic" or "scholarly?"  Some of the important criteria and key questions that can help to determine if a web-based source is academic are as follows:

1. Authority

   1. Can an author be identified, and is there contact information?

   2. What is the author's reputation and qualifications in the subject? How important is the authority for this site?

   3. Does the author provide sources for information?

2.  Scope and Audience

   1. Why does the site exist? What is its purpose--to instruct, inform, amuse, or persuade? Is its purpose clearly stated or easily inferred, or does there appear to be a hidden agenda or ulterior motive to the presentation of the content?

   2. Who are the audiences for this site? Is the site appropriate for the intended audiences?

   3. How does the site compare with other sites on the same subject?

3.  Content

   1. How thoroughly does the site cover its content areas? For example, a site describing dachsund breeds should list all known breeds. 

   2. If the site provides opinion, rather than facts, are these opinions clearly identifiable as such?

   3. Does the site provide illustrations you would expect to find? (For example, a resource describing knot-tying would be expected to have illustrations of knots in various stages of execution.)

According to the Cornell University Library's webpage, "Distinguishing Scholarly Journals from Other Periodicals", scholarly resources are to be distinguished from "substantive," "popular," or "sensational" resources. The page quotes Webster's Dictionary as follows:

According to Webster'sThird International Dictionary, 

• Scholarly is defined as:  1) concerned with academic study, especially research,  2) exhibiting the methods and attitudes of a scholar, and 3) having the manner and appearance of a scholar.

• Substantive is defined as having a solid base, being substantial.

• Popular means fit for, or reflecting the taste and intelligence of, the people at large.

• Sensational is defined as arousing or intending to arouse strong curiosity, interest or reaction.