Books and Journals

Books and journals are existing written sources you can use when researching a media product. They are useful when you need background knowledge, expert explanation or evidence to support an idea.

A book usually analyses and interprets primary or secondary sources, pulling information together into a longer explanation. Because publishers have editors who check facts and improve accuracy, books are generally reputable. They are also detailed and in-depth: one book can cover a whole topic thoroughly, which helps you understand context before you plan a product. For example, a book about the design of escape rooms might explain how puzzles are built up and interpret interviews with designers, giving you a strong overview. The downside is that books can be out of date, especially in fast-changing areas such as technology, and they can be expensive or hard to access if your school or local library does not stock them.

Academic journals publish papers based on research by experts. A peer-reviewed paper has been checked by other experts before publication, who look at the research methods and claims. This makes journals some of the most respected sources you can use. For example, a journal paper might report a study of how viewers respond to different colours in app adverts, with the method and results explained in detail. However, journals share the same practical problems: research can take months to publish, so findings may be out of date, and subscriptions can be expensive or hard to access.

Even reputable publishers and journals can make mistakes, and fraudulent research can occasionally get through. Peer review and editing make problems less likely, but they do not make a source perfect.