Exploring Sources: Types of Sources

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Types of Sources

At university, you will be expected to engage with and use a number of different types of sources. Having a sense of common source types and what is in them can help you choose what is appropriate for your needs.

You will likely already know a lot about some of the sources outlined in the infographic below. That is great! Your past experience with different types of sources will help develop your understanding of how to use those different source types throughout your time at UBC.

Take a moment to read through the infographic below. It outlines different types of sources, if they are available in print or online, and what they are. 


Types of Sources Infographic

 


Infographic Alternative Versions:

Screen-reader friendly (move down to the button below, hit space to expand, and read the infographic in plain text):

 

Downloadable versions:

Download a PDF version of the infographic 

PDF version of just the text included



Vocabulary:

  • Academic book
  • Journal article
  • Magazine
  • News source
  • Scholarly journal 
  • Trade publication

 


Activity

(Need the worksheet? Here is a link to the Exploring Sources Worksheet Download Exploring Sources Worksheet)

On your worksheet, answer this question:

  1. What other types of sources do you use in your life that are not included here? Would you consider them appropriate for research?

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