Types of Sources
One major difference between searching and researching is the types of sources you use. There are more options out there than you might realize. (What about Google and Wikipedia?)
Here is an overview of the types of sources you may encounter (in alphabetical order):
1. Academic/Scholarly Journal
A periodical written by academic experts on a specific topic. These journals are usually peer-reviewed, which means that articles submitted by authors must follow a strict review process by other experts.
Example: Journal of Food and Nutrition Research
2. Anthology
A collection of works by different authors. Your English textbook is an anthology. Other examples include literary criticism books, books with essays about controversial issues, and short story collections.
Example: Point/Counterpoint: Mandatory Military Service
3. Artwork
A painting, sculpture, or other piece of fine art. You can search for well-known artwork online or access free online exhibits on museum websites.
Example: Girl with Balloon by Banksy
4. Audio (General)
A musical piece or other type of recorded audio, including podcast episodes, spoken word performances, and speeches.
Example: Stuff You Should Know: How Going to the Moon Works
5. Audiobook
A audio version of a book that can be listened to on a computer or device. This can be a work of fiction or nonfiction.
Example: For Every One by Jason Reynolds, read by Jason Reynolds
6. Blog
A website updated regularly by a person or group that is typically written in an informal or discussion style.
⚡ BE CAREFUL: Anyone can write a blog. Make sure to evaluate it!
Example: ArsTechnica
7. Book
A written or printed work available to you in your school library, public library, or bookstore. This can be a work of fiction or nonfiction.
Example: The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives by Dashka Slater
8. Correspondence (Emails and Letters)
A printed or digital communication between two or more individuals.
Example: “Letter from Birmingham Jail” (Martin Luther King Jr.)
9. E-book
A digital version of a book that can be read on a computer or device. This can be a work of fiction or nonfiction.
Example: Every Falling Star: The True Story of How I Survived and Escaped North Korea by Sungju Lee and Susan Elizabeth McClelland
10. Government Document
A print or digital version of any document published by a government body, including bills, laws, census information, and more.
Example: War Department General Order 143: Creation of the U.S. Colored Troops
11. Image
Any type of digitally created image file.
⚡ BE CAREFUL: If you find an image in an image search (like Google Images), you need to make sure you track that image back to its original creator and/or home.
Example: The Starbucks logo
12. Interview
A formal or informal question-and-answer session normally between two people. An interview may be viewed as a video, listened to as audio, or read as a transcript.
Example: Richard Frost’s interview of Richard Nixon
13. Photograph
An image taken with a film camera, digital camera, or device equipped with a camera (including cell phones).
Example: Mars Rover Curiosity's Selfie at "Rock Hall" (NASA)
14. Popular Magazine
General audience periodicals intended to be read for enjoyment or information, and may include news articles, pop culture articles, advice, and more.
Example: Sports Illustrated
15. Professional/Trade Journal
A periodical for professionals who work in a specific trade or industry, and may include best practice articles, product reviews, job listings, and more.
Example: American Nurse Today
16. Reference (Dictionary, Encyclopedia, etc)
A written work intended to be consulted for specific information on a topic or subject, rather than read from beginning to end.
Example: The Facts on File Encyclopedia of Greek and Roman Mythology
17. Social Media
Any type of social media post or conversation.
Example: SparkNotes Twitter account post
18. Transcript (Radio/TV)
Written version of information presented in audio or video originally, such as a podcast episode, radio program, or television program.
Example: Transcript of the July 31, 2019 Democratic Debate
19. Video
Any type of digital video file, including television, film, recorded performances, and live feeds.
Example: Video of Romeo & Juliet performed live in the Globe Theatre
20. Webpage
Any type of page that is part of a website on the Internet, ranging from professional to personal websites.
Example: MPS Student Research Guide: Types of Sources