This document outlines the BEAM framework for categorizing sources in environmental policy research and writing. BEAM stands for: - Background sources provide context and non-controversial facts about a topic. Examples include encyclopedia articles and historical facts. - Exhibit/Evidence sources are analyzed as evidence, such as raw data, statistics, or statements being analyzed. - Argument sources discuss critical views and relevant scholarship around a topic through scholarly articles. - Method sources reference the theories or methods being employed, like articles about particular research methodologies. The document provides guidance on using BEAM sources for an environmental policy assignment, with background sources for introductions, exhibit and argument sources for bodies, and

1. BEAMing Environmental Policy
Shannon Kealey
Santa Clara University Library
Lesson adapted from Woodward & Ganski, University of Wisconsin
Milwaukee; Engaging Ideas by John C. Bean, and Joseph Bizup, Boston
University. Image citation: Spacetime by Alan Chan is licensed under
CC BY 2.0. Source: Flickr creative commons

2. Objectives
• Plan & execute a search strategy
• Evaluate sources for relevance & purpose
• Discuss potential value of sources
• Select sources for purposes of your
assignment

3. Ways of Categorizing Sources
• Scholarly -------------------------- Popular
• Primary --------------------------- Secondary
• Good -------------------------------- Bad

4. Bizup’s “BEAM”
• Background
• Exhibit/Evidence
• Argument
• Method

5. Background
“Any source, assumed to be noncontroversial,
used to provide context… facts and information”
Examples:
• Encyclopedia articles
• Historical background/facts
• News anecdotes

6. Exhibit/Evidence
Sources you analyze or use as evidence.
Examples:
• Data you collect (interviews, surveys, field
samples)
• Raw data/statistics collected by others
• Statements or arguments you analyze

7. Argument
“The conversation of critical views and relevant
scholarship” related to the topic.
Examples:
• Scholarly articles about your topic
• Scholarly articles about potential solutions to
your problem

8. Method
“References to the theories or methods the
writer is employing”
Examples:
• Articles or technical information about
particular research
methodologies/approaches to your topic
• For this specific assignment, existing policies
or policy memos

9. What can you do with these sources
for your writing?
•Provide context
•Used to explore the problem or topic
Background
•Used to help you analyze the context and implications of
your topic for environmental policyExhibit
•Understand how your topic has been treated by others
•Identify gaps in current understanding of your topic
•Identify various perspectives on your topicArgument
•Provides validity for your recommendations and conclusions
•Provides a framework for your memoMethod

10. BEAMing Your Policy Memo
Conclusion = Method Sources
Body= Exhibit & Argument Sources
Introduction= Background Sources
Topic Development= Background Sources

11. BEAM Your Research Topic
• Use the mind map to brainstorm topics and
sources for each BEAM element

13. Where will you find these sources?
• Look for encyclopedia entries , statistics, and cultural artifacts in:
• Reference sources (CREDO, Gale Virtual Reference, Wikipedia)
• Newspaper & Magazine Databases (New York Times; American
Newspapers Database)
Background
•Look for exhibit sources in:
•Statistics Sources (Data-Planet, Statista, CDC, American FactFinder,
Social Explorer--trial)
•Google
Exhibit
• Look for scholarly articles related to your topic in:
• Academic Search Complete/OmniFile
• Subject specific databasesArgument
• Look for scholarly articles about methods and theories in:
• Subject specific databases
Method

14. Find Sources
• Go to the research guide for this class
• Using the suggested databases, find sources
for your topic
• Find three different BEAM sources
• Complete the form
• Send a copy to yourself

15. Questions?
Shannon Kealey
skealey@scu.edu
x7021