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Lakehead University and LU Library

Research Guide for High School Students

How to use Lakehead University's Libraries

Overview

Once you have created your search statement, input it into the database you want to use. Use the tips below to find the articles that are best for your project.

Types of Articles

Articles can be split into three main categories: Scholarly, Popular, and Trade. You can find some key points about each below.

*Please note that these points do not include everything there is to know about the the types of articles

 

Type Content Examples
Scholarly
  • Written and read by researchers and academics 
  • Will use jargon
  • Will have references
  • May be peer-reviewed 
  • JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association
  • Urban Geography
  • Feminist Economics
Popular
  • Written by journalists and read by the general public
  • General language. If jargon is used, it will be explained
  • Not peer-reviewed
  • When reading, be conscious of author bias
  • Time Magazine
  • People
  • National Geographic 
Trade
  • Written and read by members of the profession, and sometimes the general public
  • May use jargon
  • May have references
  • Typically not peer-reviewed
  • Focuses on trends and news in the industry, and reviews industry products
  • When reading, be conscious of author bias 
  • Landscape Architecture Magazine
  • Library Journal
  • Aviation Week and Space Technology

Need more clarity?  Scholarly vs Trade vs. Popular

Evaluating Results

There are many ways to evaluate your sources. A common method is the CRAAP method, where you check the currency, relevance, authority, accuracy and purpose of a source.

Below is a brief outline of how this method works:

 

CRAAP What To Consider
C - Currency
  • When was the source written?
    • Is this the most up-to-date for your topic, or is it outdated?
    • Does the information need to be current for the topic you are researching?
R - Relevance
  • Is what's being discussed important to your project?
A - Authority
  • Who is writing the source?
    • Do you need a scholarly article written by an expert, or do you need an editorial piece? 
    • Can you trust their authority on the subject they are writing?
A - Accuracy
  • Is the information in the source truthful and reliable?
    • Is the information researched?
    • Does the author tell you where the information has come from?
    • Is there bias in the writing?
P - Purpose
  • Why does the source exist?
    • Why did the author write it?
    • Who is it written for?
    • Is it meant to inform, entertain, or something else?