Principles and Applications The Literature of Health Education

Evaluating Sources Primary Source “Open-access” journals (*web based only) Secondary Sources Tertiary Sources Popular Press Publications

Examples Pedersen, P. J. (2002). The influence of alcohol advertising on students’ drinking behaviors. NASPA Journal, 40 (1), Article 2. Retrieved from Primary source text citation: Self-identified binge drinkers were influenced by alcohol promotions significantly more than were nonbinge drinkers (Pedersen, 2002). Secondary source text citation: Pedersen’s study (as cited in Donatelle & Smith, 2006) has reported that binge and nonbinge drinkers do not respond equally to alcohol promotions. Reference list entry: Donatelle, B.A. & Smith, M. (2006)……….

Refereed or Peer-Reviewed Find the guidelines for authors or guide to submissions section What review process is used? American Journal of Health Education main.html

Evaluating Research Articles Abstract/Introduction Were the aims or objectives clear? Were the research questions/hypotheses of the study clearly stated? Methodology Were the participants in the study clearly described and do you know how they were recruited? Was the design and location of the study clearly described? How was data collected? Were the instruments used clearly identified and described? Results/Findings Did the results address the research questions or hypothesis? Were the conclusions logical given the data collected and the type of analysis performed? Discussion Were the study implications meaningful to you or the population you serve?

Evaluating the Accuracy of Nonresearch-based Sources What are the authors qualifications? Does the person have an academic degree in the field being written about? What is the style of the presentation…scientific or use of testimonials or generalities Are the references included? Are most references to secondary sources? What is the purpose of the publication? Is the pub trying to sell items discussed in the article? What is the reputation of the publication? Is it refereed? Is the information new? Can it be validated from other sources? Newsworthy versus valid.

Evaluating Internet Sources Content – citation of sources (.gov,.edu,.org) Authority – credentials of authors Publisher source – sponsorship should be clear References – other pages linked to this site Documentation – are sources clearly identified Facts – facts consistent with information from other sources

Computerized Databases ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) MEDLINE CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) PsycInfo (Psychological Abstracts)

‘Mining’ a Great Find Find full text article in pdf format Review reference list and identify other articles you would like to find