GEN103 Week 3 – Discussion 1
Reflect: You read two articles that address the same topic but are different types of sources. Consider the following questions:
- What characteristics make the sources different?
- How do those differences add to or detract from the credibility of the sources?
- How could you use each of the sources in school, at work, or in your personal life? Think of at least two specific examples.
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Write: Based on your learning in the Prepare and Reflect sections above, write at least three paragraphs that fully address the prompt below. Cite any sources you use or refer to.
- Identify the type of source you read in addition to the scholarly, peer-reviewed article. Who is the audience for each source? How does the intended audience affect the choice of language, images, and organization?
- Analyze the credibility of the two sources that you read. What specific features of the articles led you to conclude the source was or was not credible? Provide at least one specific example for each source.
- Explain how each source might be used to address a specific information need. What research situations would be appropriate for each source? What concerns would you have about using the sources in those situations?
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Your initial post must be at least 350 words and address all of the prompt’s elements.
You must cite and reference any sources that you use in your posts, including your textbook or any other sources of information that you use. Please refer to the Writing Center’s Citing Within Your Paper (Links to an external site.) and Formatting Your References List (Links to an external site.) for help with citing and referencing your sources
GEN103 Week 3 – Discussion 1 Answer
In my exploration of two sources on the topic of climate change, I encountered a scholarly, peer-reviewed article titled “Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity” and a news article from a popular science magazine titled “Recent Climate Change Trends.” The differences between these sources are quite evident in terms of their characteristics.
The scholarly article is targeted at researchers, academics, and professionals in the field of environmental science and biodiversity. It employs technical language, includes extensive citations to other scholarly works, and follows a structured format with sections like abstract, methodology, and conclusion. On the other hand, the news article is intended for a broader audience, possibly the general public interested in science. It uses more accessible language, incorporates visuals like charts and graphs for easier understanding, and lacks the depth and formality of a scholarly work.
Regarding credibility, the scholarly article is highly credible due to its peer-reviewed nature, academic rigor, and reliance on empirical evidence. It provides a comprehensive bibliography, demonstrating a thorough literature review. The news article, while informative, may be less credible as it lacks the detailed methodology and peer review process of a scholarly work. It might rely more on secondary sources and could be influenced by the magazine’s editorial stance.
In an academic setting, the scholarly article would be invaluable for research papers, essays, or presentations requiring a deep understanding of the impact of climate change on biodiversity. Its credibility makes it suitable for establishing a strong foundation in scientific discussions. Conversely, the news article could serve as a supplementary source for a more general audience or as an introduction to the topic in a classroom setting.
In a workplace context, the scholarly article might be relevant for professionals in environmental science or policy-making, providing authoritative information for decision-making. The news article could be shared with colleagues or stakeholders who may not have a scientific background but need to be informed about current climate change trends.
In personal life, both sources could be valuable depending on the level of interest and purpose. The scholarly article might be useful for someone deeply passionate about environmental science, while the news article could be a quick and informative read for someone looking to stay updated on climate change trends without delving into technical details.
