When your instructor says "expert source," she likely mean articles written by a professional in your field of study, intended for other professionals in that field, and published in a venue that professionals in the field use. Professional articles are also called peer-reviewed articles, although you are not restricted to only using peer-reviewed articles for your informative speech. You can use other credible types of information available through CCC Library.
What is a peer-reviewed, expert article?
Peer-reviewed articles are published with the intent of sharing new research and information from specialized fields with researchers, practitioners, and students. The process of peer review helps to ensure that each published article is unique, accurate, credible, and objective. Peer-reviewed articles can be published in various venues - print journals, online journals, and academic and research organizations’ websites.
What's the purpose of peer-reviewed, expert articles?
Peer-reviewed articles inform other scholars and students in higher education of new research and findings. They are meant to teach and share information, not entertain or sell things.
Characteristics of a peer-reviewed, expert article
- Information is organized into sections with headings: Abstract, introduction, literature review, methods, results, discussion, and references.
- Long and in-depth; 10-20 pages is normal.
- Includes graphs or tables but few, if any, images or advertisements.
- Includes specialized or field-specific language.
- Information is presented objectively, without bias.
- Includes reference lists and in-text citations.
- Published quarterly or semi-annually.