This document provides an overview of the BEAM framework for categorizing sources in academic research and writing. It explains that sources can be categorized as Background, Exhibit/Evidence, Argument, or Method based on how they will be used in a research paper or project. Background sources provide context, Exhibit sources are used as evidence or for analysis, Argument sources discuss critical views and scholarship on the topic, and Method sources reference theories or methods being employed. The document provides examples and suggests that students use BEAM categories to plan their research, with Background sources for introductions, Exhibit and Argument for body paragraphs, and Method for conclusions. It directs students to appropriate research databases and tools to find relevant sources on their topics.

1. BEAMing Your Research
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:
• Books, articles, or reports about attempted
solutions to the real-world problem: these
solutions can be programs, pieces of
legislation, social movements, etc.

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 topicExhibit
•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 argumentMethod

10. BEAMing Your Research
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,
Pew)
Google
Ask for help for your particular topic!
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:
• Academic Search Complete/OmniFile
• Subject specific databasesMethod

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 – one must
be Peer Reviewed/Scholarly/Academic!
• Complete the form
• Send a copy to yourself