This document discusses the BEAM framework for categorizing sources when conducting research. It defines the four categories of the BEAM framework as: 1. Background - Sources that provide context and non-controversial facts about a topic. 2. Exhibit/Evidence - Sources that can be analyzed as evidence, such as data, statistics, or statements being analyzed. 3. Argument - Sources that discuss critical views and relevant scholarship around a topic. 4. Method - References to theories or methods being employed in sources. The document provides examples of sources that would fit within each BEAM category and recommends using different categories of sources for different parts of the research process and writing, such as using

1. BEAMing Public Health
Shannon Kealey
Santa Clara University Library
April 25, 2017
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
• Websites like CDC, WHO, etc.
• Biological/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 potential solutions to
the problem
• Reports by CDC, WHO, or other well reputed
agencies suggesting potential solutions to the
problem

8. Method
“References to the theories or methods the
writer is employing”
Examples:
• Scholarly articles about the impact of one or
more interventions to solve the problem
• Government or other organization’s
evaluation of a program’s impact on the
problem

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

12. Example:
Opioid addiction in
Fresno, CA

13. Where will you find these sources?
• Look for encyclopedia entries , statistics, and biological information in:
• Reference sources (CDC, WHO, HealthyPeople2020)
• Newspaper & Magazine Databases (New York Times; American
Newspapers Database)
Background
•Look for exhibit sources in:
•Statistics Sources (CDC, WHO, Pew)
•Google non-profits devoted to your topic-they may have data/statistics
•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 unique BEAM sources – one source
may fit more than one BEAM category when
you use it in your research project.
• Complete the form and submit – you’ll get a
copy of your answers and a link to edit them.

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