Fact Checking Tools
Bias in Media Sites
Don't believe everything you read. Ask some critical questions about every website:
Who
What
Why
When
How
When conducting research it is important to distinguish between journal articles and magazine articles. Journal articles are typically referred to as "scholarly" or "refereed" while magazine articles are usually considered "popular" or "sensational". Always know which type is acceptable for your research.
|
|
Refereed or Scholarly Journal |
Trade Publication |
Popular Magazine |
|
Format |
Has serious format |
Attractive in appearance |
Generally glossy & attractive format |
|
Graphics |
Graphs and charts to illustrate concepts |
Photos, graphics and illustrations used to enhance articles |
Photos, illustrations and drawing to enhance image of publication |
|
Sources |
Cited sources with footnotes and/or bibliography |
Occasionally cite sources, but not as a rule |
Rarely cite sources. Original sources may be obscure |
|
Authors |
Written by scholars or researchers in the field or discipline |
Written by professionals or experts in the field |
Written by the staff or free-lance writers for a broad audience |
|
Language |
Uses terminology, jargon, and the language of the discipline. Reader is assumed to have similar background |
Uses language appropriate for an educated readership |
Uses simple language for minimal educational level. Articles are short, with little depth |
|
Purpose |
To inform, report, or make original research available to the scholarly world |
Report on trends in specific industry, business or organization; give practical advice |
Designed to entertain or persuade, to sell products or services |
|
Publishers |
Generally published by a professional organization |
Published by commercial enterprises for profit |
Published for profit |
|
Advertising |
Contains selective advertising |
Carries advertising, mostly trade related |
Contains extensive advertising |