5.2 Finding and Evaluating Research Sources
Scholarly articles published in academic journals are usually required sources in academic research essays; they are also an integral part of engineering projects and technical reports. Many technical projects require a literature review, which collects, summarizes and sometimes evaluates the work of researchers in a field whose work has been recognized as a valuable contribution to the “state of the art.” However, they are not the only kind of research you will find useful. Since you are researching in a professional field and preparing for the workplace, you will draw upon many credible kinds of sources in a professional context.
Table 5.2.1 lists several types of sources you may find useful in researching your projects. You should also consult Seneca Libraries Writing and Communicating Technical Information: Key Resources, where you will find key databases for technical research.
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| Source Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Academic Journals, Conference Papers, Dissertations, etc. |
Scholarly (peer-reviewed) academic sources publish primary research done by professional researchers and scholars in specialized fields, as well as reviews of that research by other specialists in the same field. For example, the Journal of Computer and System Sciences publishes original research papers in computer science and related subjects in system science; the International Journal of Robotics and Animation is one of the most highly ranked journals in the field. |
| Reference Works |
Specialized encyclopedias, handbooks, and dictionaries can provide useful terminology and background information. For example, the Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology is a widely recognized authoritative source. You may cite Wikipedia or dictionary.com in a technical report, but be sure to compare the information to other reliable sources before use. |
| Books
Chapters in Books |
Books written by specialists in a given field usually contain a References section that can be very helpful in providing in-depth context for your ideas. For example, Designing Engineers by Susan McCahan et al. has an excellent chapter on effective teamwork |
| Trade Magazines and Popular Science Magazines |
Reputable trade magazines contain articles relating to current issues and innovations; therefore, they can be useful in determining what is “cutting edge,” or finding out what current issues or controversies are affecting the industry. Examples include Computerworld, Wired, and Popular Mechanics. |
| Newspapers (Journalism) |
Newspaper articles and media releases offer a sense of what journalists and people in industry think the general public should know about a given topic. Journalists report on current events and recent innovations; more in-depth “investigative journalism” explores a current issue in greater detail. Newspapers also contain editorial sections that provide personal opinions on these events and issues. Choose wel