Scholarly articles (also known as peer-reviewed or academic articles) are written by researchers and are reviewed by other experts before being accepted for publication. You can use a library database to locate journal articles.
What is a Scholarly resource?
1. They are written by experts. Look for the author's credentials and affiliations.
2. They are written for other experts and people in academia.
3. They use scholarly language with technical terms or a specialized vocabulary relevant to the subject.
4. The publication title includes words such as: Journal, Review, Research, or Studies.
5. They provide verifiable and reliable evidence for claims. It will contain well researched information that the reader can verify.
6. They may be peer reviewed. Many journals go through an editorial process where other experts review and assess the information.
|
Source Type |
Appearance |
Content |
Length |
Authority/References |
Scholarly? |
Examples |
|
Book/eBook (nonfiction) |
More scholarly works generally have less colorful covers |
In-depth exploration of a topic. |
Long; generally over 100 pages |
May, may not |
Sometimes; Can be scholarly, if has editor and references |
Dreams from my Father; |
|
Newspapers |
Often (but not always) black and white; large, folded format. Contains advertising |
Articles on popular and current topics. |
Short articles of several hundred words to several thousand. |
No references. Written by journalists, not experts. Often no subject matter expert editing |
Usually not, but articles can inform a scholarly search (can read to obtain key concepts/search terms) |
Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Times |
|
Magazine |
Glossy printing and advertising add to popular appeal |
Articles on popular and current topics. Each issue starts with Page 1. |
Short articles of several hundred words to several thousand. |
Not likely; Written by journalists, not experts. Often no subject matter expert editing. |
No |
Time, Cosmo, Psychology Today |
|
Trade Publication |
Often glossy |
Articles and information that appeals to professionals in the field. Each issue starts with page 1. |
Varies |
Generally written by professionals in the field (not experts). Sometimes short reference lists |
Usually not, but information is considered credible. |
WWD, ABA Journal, Brandweek, Mediaweek |
|
Scholarly Journal |
Often monochromatic covers; few pictures. |
Peer reviewed works and studies. Issues start with next page of prior issue. |
Varies |
Articles written by experts in the field. Articles refereed (peer reviewed) by subject matter experts. |
Yes |
Journal of American Medical Association; Harvard Journal of Law and Technology, American Psychologist |