Scholarly vs. Non-Scholarly Literature

The Ames Library > Help & How To Guides > Critical Evaluation of Journal Articles

Critical Evaluation of Journal Articles:
Scholarly vs. Non-Scholarly Literature
When doing research, a key difference to consider in your sources, is the type of publication from which an article or piece of data comes. This is particularly important when searching for journal articles. For example, journals such as Time, Newsweek, and People are not considered an authoritative source for information in the sciences or social sciences.
Types of Journals / Magazines:

Scholarly

Trade

Popular

Still unsure whether or not something is scholarly? Ask ALibrarian or consult with your professor.

Need Help?

•	How Do I...?

•	Locate Materials

•	Off-Campus Access

	Scholarly Authors are authorities in the fields Report on original research Articles are generally peer-reviewed; this means that a group of scholars in a journal's discipline acts as peer-reviewers of articles to insure that the research and/or opinions represented are accurate and relevant. Conflicts of interest are generally avoided Sources are cited Few or no advertisements Charts and graphs Language and style are specific to discipline

Back to TOP

	Trade Authors are knowledgeable in field Articles are not peer reviewed Industry supported so possible bias Sources are often named but rarely cited Articles are specific to one industry and for practical use Language and style specific to industry

Back to TOP

	Popular Authors are usually freelancers / staff writers Articles are not peer reviewed Sources may be mentioned but not cited Articles are to entertain and inform Lots of photos Lots of advertising

Back to TOP

This service is maintained by The Ames Library. Please contact us with any problems or suggestions.
Last revised: July 31, 2003