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Communication Studies (CMST): Articles & Databases

Starting Points for Finding Articles on Many Communication Topics

Subject-specific Databases

How do I search in Academic Search Complete?

Help with Reading, Evaluating, Analyzing & Writing

Criteria for Source Evaluation: Some Points to Consider

Read the article, and answer the following questions:

  1. What is the main-point or argument?
  2. What evidence does the author give to substantiate the argument?
    a. How did the author get or derive the evidence (i.e., what is the information source for the author's evidence)?
    b. Is the author's research adequate to support the argument?
  3. How is the presentation of information handled? Is it balanced? Is more than one point of view given?
  4. Who is the intended audience?
  5. How effective is the layout (tables, illustrations, section headings, callouts, etc.)?
  6. Who published this? What do you know about the reputation and style of the publisher?
  7. What do you still need to know? What hasn't the author answered?
  8. Explain how the article fits or does not fit your research assignment.