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ENGL 191: Science Fiction

This guide is for students in Penn State Harrisburg's ENGL 191: Science Fiction, taught by Dr. Eric Bliman. It includes numerous science fiction research sources, such as books and encyclopedias, journals, databases, online sources, search tips, and more

Evaluating Resources

Think critically about web sites and print resources.  

  • Authority: Who is the author or creator?  What are their credentials for this topic?
  • Content: What is the author's bias? Who was the information written for?
  • Currency: What is the publication date?  When was the website last updated? Does this matter for your topic?
  • Validity: Is the information accurate or valid?  Are there references to other works that support the information?
  • Publisher: Do they have a good reputation?

Comparison of Types of Journals

The information below can help you understand the differences between scholarly journals, professional/trade journals, and popular periodicals. 

​Peer Reviewed = Scholarly?  Not always. Scholarly implies an academic audience whereas some non-scholarly works can undergo editorial review or review by peers.
Comparison of Scholarly, Professional, and Popular Periodicals
Criteria Scholarly Journals Professional/Trade Journals Popular Periodicals/ Magazines
Audience Researchers and experts Members of a trade or profession The general public
Author Researchers and experts Staff writers and experts in the field Staff writers, although many articles are unsigned
References (Sources cited) Includes reference lists and bibliography. All quotes and facts are documented. Reference lists sometimes included. References rarely included.
Purpose To disseminate research findings  To publicize current topics in the field and professional issues To disseminate general information or to entertain
Content Detailed research reports and methodologies  Trends, standards, and new technologies in the field General interest stories and news; may include personal narrative and opinions
Language Jargon that assumes expertise in the field Jargon that assumes expertise in the field Language that requires no expertise
Publisher Associations or universities Associations Commercial organizations
Layout Highly structured organization; includes abstract, bibliography, charts or graphs Structured organization; usually includes abstract, bibliography, charts or graphs Informal organization: eye-catching type and format; includes illustrations or photographs
Examples Journal of the American Medical Association; Political Science Quarterly Hospital Business Week; Real Estate Weekly News; Farm Industry News Time; Newsweek; Science News