[253] A3 clarifications

[Roy Bendor <rbendor@sfu.ca>]

Dear students, here are some clarifications to A3 requirements as per your
different questions:

--Reflecting on sources:
Here's what the wiki says: "reflect on how the publication format (book vs.
journal vs. magazine, etc.) of each source contributes to or takes away from
the perceived quality of that source."
You can use the same type of source twice (i.e. use two academic journals).
In this case, reflecting on their format may include something that points
to the difference between them (different disciplines? Objectives?
Readerships?). But as long as you say something meaningful about the format
you should be fine.

--Analysis of weaknesses and strengths:
You are expected to perform two different kinds of source analysis. While
the first has to do with the publication format (see above) the second deals
with the arguments presented in the articles.
This analysis may include aspects of the research form (who did it, why,
when, was the methodology sound, the results biased, etc.), or the argument
presented (does it 'fly'? Is there sufficient evidence? Can you contradict
its findings with your own experience or other sources? etc.)
It's always good to pay attention to both of these aspects but you are not
required to do so in this assignment.

Hope this helps.

Roy