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ENGL 401 - First Year Writing (UNH Manchester): Activity

Activity 1

Below are three sources that present information about rapid HIV tests. One article is rather long. Consider skimming this article, pay attention to the introduction, conclusion, and references. You will be prompted to log in to the library database with your UNH credentials.

For this in-class activity do the following:

1. Read the source that was assigned to you.

2. Consider the following: 

  • What is the primary goal or intention of this genre?
  • What limits or rules apply to this genre? 
  • Who can or cannot use this genre?
  • Who can or cannot publish in this genre?
  • Does this genre prevent certain voices from being heard?
  • In what other situations can this genre be helpful?
  • What values and beliefs are expressed through this genre?
  • What do you know about the credibility of each author?
  • What type of source is it?

Bonus question: Does the way this genre is used have political or ethical consequences?

1. Rapid HIV Testing in the Dental Office

2. Oral Rapid HIV Testing: Implementation Experiences of Dental Hygiene Faculty and Students 

3. People Living with HIV Stigma

 

PROVEN source evaluation tool

Activity 2

1. Review the following to learn more about the UNH Library Search Box

  • UNH Manchester Search Box LibGuide
  • Watch video at the bottom of this page.

2. Consider the following:

  • Who is this for?
  • When should it be used?
  • What is contained within this database?
  • How are these records organized?

 

Use Library Search Box to Find Information

Source Genre Comparison Guide

Source Genre Comparison Guide

Source Genre Comparison Guide

This guide helps you understand different types of sources you may encounter in your research. It explains the primary purpose, audience, and credibility of each source type.

Source Genre Primary Goal or Intention Limits or Rules Who Can or Cannot Use Who Can or Cannot Publish Does This Genre Prevent Certain Voices from Being Heard? Other Situations This Genre Can Be Helpful Values and Beliefs Expressed Credibility of Author Type of Source
Scholarly Articles To share original research, findings, and scholarly debate Peer-review process, citations, formal structure Academics, researchers, and students Scholars, experts in the field, and sometimes graduate students May limit non-experts and non-academics from publishing, as it's targeted towards scholars Essential for academic research, in-depth literature reviews Promotes thorough, evidence-based knowledge and academic rigor Authors are usually well-established experts in the field Scholarly (often peer-reviewed)
Trade Publications To inform professionals in a specific industry or field Less formal than scholarly sources, may lack peer review Professionals and practitioners in specific industries Industry professionals, not necessarily academic scholars May limit research-based or academic voices in niche fields Helpful for industry insights, trends, and professional advice Emphasizes practicality, relevance, and industry engagement Authors are often industry professionals with specific expertise Non-scholarly (profession-focused)
Conference Proceedings To present research and papers from academic conferences Often less formal than journal articles, may lack thorough peer review Academics, researchers, and conference attendees Conference presenters, usually researchers or scholars May limit those without conference access or academic credentials Helpful for presenting cutting-edge or emerging research Values new, ongoing research and academic collaboration Authors are usually academics or scholars with subject expertise Scholarly (sometimes peer-reviewed)
Magazines To inform or entertain the general public, covering a broad range of topics Often lacks formal citations, geared toward mass appeal General public, with interests in specific topics Journalists, freelance writers, and editors May exclude specialized or academic perspectives in favor of general interest Helpful for trends, lifestyle content, entertainment, and broad cultural topics Focuses on broad accessibility, entertainment, and trends Authors may be professional journalists, but credibility varies Popular media

Key Takeaways:

  • Scholarly Articles are critical for academic research and contain peer-reviewed information.
  • Trade Publications offer insights specific to a profession and are good for current industry trends.
  • Conference Proceedings are valuable for emerging research and academic discussions.
  • Magazines are ideal for general information and entertainment but may lack depth for research.
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