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November 08, 2005
MLA Bibliography and Peer-Reviews
Many of us at one time or another skimmed through the seemingly endless articles found on EBSCOHost. Surely the majority of us click "Peer Review" whenever to limit our searches.
However, It Ain't Necessarily So reminded me that "peer review means just that and nothing more- peer review the work but do not necessarily approve of it" (151). Although I myself often rely on these "reviewed" articles, I may second guess them a bit.
When leafing through research, I attempt to find the best argument to argue or disagree with. It revolves around the same principles with literary criticism and analysis: use evidence to support your claims, which should clearly define your intended argument.
Granted, not all researchers or peer reviewers make these mistakes; however, I think we should start trusting in our own abilities as critical observers. We aren't incapable of validating the authority of our sources. Instead, as scholars, our evaluation skills seek out all the angles:
"What questions did the researcher choose to ask (or not ask)? How did he attempt to answer them? What might account for the answers that are generated?" (161)Remember- Focus on the article's argument and how it presents its material to the audience.
Posted by BethanyHutira at November 8, 2005 04:19 PM