The BEAM Model can help you think about the different ways to use sources in your writing. There are four major types of sources that you will engage with during your research process:
| Source type | Description |
|---|---|
| B - Background | Background sources provide you with context for your research or a broad overview of a topic. Common types of background sources are encyclopedias, textbooks, or other summaries. |
| E - Exhibit | Exhibit sources are the material that you analyze and interpret. Commonly, exhibit sources are primary sources, including data, pictures, documents, laws, first-hand narratives, etc. |
| A - Argument | Argument sources provide you insight into the current state of research on your topic. They are most commonly peer reviewed or scholarly sources. In your writing, you may refute, refine, affirm, or extend the arguments of these sources. |
| M - Method | Method sources demonstrate ways of analyzing your exhibit sources, or definitions of critical concepts. These might be research studies or peer reviewed articles. They can be about topics related to or adjacent to yours, as long as you can apply the methods used to your own research. |
Adapted from Bizup, Joseph. “BEAM: A Rhetorical Vocabulary for Teaching Research-Based Writing.”
Example topic: the concept of liberty in current public discourse
| Source type | Description |
|---|---|
| B - Background | An encyclopedia article defining liberty |
| E - Exhibit | A selection of speeches from politicians that use the term "liberty" |
| A - Argument | A peer reviewed study that analyzes how the term liberty was used by Reagan during his campaign speeches |
| M - Method | An academic book chapter that outlines a method for analyzing public discourse |