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BIOD20: Special Topics in Virology

This guide is for students in BIOD20 to help them locate topics and articles for their journal club assignment, as well as guidance on analyzing articles.

Evaluating Sources

When critically evaluating journal articles, keep the following criteria in mind:

Scope                    

  • What is the purpose of the resource and what does it contain?
  • Is the subject explored in depth?
  • What does it exclude?
  • Is it comprehensive?

Authority            

  • Is the author an expert in this field?
  • What is their relationship to the information contained in the source?
  • Has this author been cited by others?

Objectivity        

  • Does the information provided inform, explain, persuade?
  • Is the author's point of view impartial and objective?
  • Are counter-arguments acknowledged?
  • Does it contain facts, opinions, or biases?

Accuracy            

  • Are the results accurate and are they supported by the data and methodology presented?
  • Does this support or contradict other articles?
  • Are references to other works given?

Currency           

  • Is the content of the work up-to-date?
  • Is timeliness important?

Adapted from Hanover College Library