"How Library Stuff Works: Peer Review" by McMaster Libraries is licensed under CC BY 3.0
Research projects often have specific instructions about the types of resources you can use to complete your assignment. One of the more common specifications requires you include scholarly resources. Knowing what types of resources you need can make it much easier to complete your assignment because you already have a starting point. Sometimes, it can be confusing to remember the difference between all of the types of information available.
What is a scholarly article? A scholarly article is written by an expert in their field, and is an excellent resource to find out what has been studied or researched about a particular topic. Additionally, the bibliography will offer additional sources on similar topics.
Are “scholarly” and “peer-reviewed” the same? Sometimes! “Peer-reviewed” means that the article and research was reviewed and evaluated by other experts in the field before it can be accepted for publication. Some publications require this, but others do not. Many use the terms “scholarly” and “peer-reviewed” interchangeably.
“Academic journal articles” and “research journal articles” are some additional terms you may encounter. Rest assured: in the majority of cases you can use any scholarly or peer-reviewed articles for your research. If you have concerns, double check with your instructor if you have any questions about the requirements for your resources.
How can I tell the difference between scholarly, trade and popular articles? We’ve created a chart for you to outline the typically criteria for each of the most common types of journal articles you’ll run into. Unfortunately, some journals may not meet all of the criteria and will seem to fit in multiple categories. If that happens, it’s best to check with your instructor or librarian to determine what type of article it is!
How can I find scholarly resources? The CCCOnline Library has a variety of multidisciplinary and subject-specific research databases available to you from Gale, EBSCO, and Anthropology Online. To access these databases, log in to D2L/Brightspace, and look at the right sidebar.
| Criteria | Scholarly Journals | Trade Journals | Popular Journals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accountability | Peer reviewed or refereed (Peer review is the process by which scholarly work is checked by a group of experts in that field to ensure the work meets standards before publication.) | Editor | Editor |
| Advertisements | Very few, if any | Some, but usually related to the trade or topic the journal is designed for | Heavy |
| Appearance | Charts, graphs and other images are used to support or enhance the article | May have glossy pages, photographs, graphics, charts or graphs, but used to support or enhance the article | Glossy pages, numerous photographs and graphics, bright colors |
| Audience | Professionals or researchers in the field | Professionals in the field | General public, entertainment-seekers |
| Authors | Contributing authors (experts or professionals in the field) | Publication staff members and contributing authors (professionals in the field) | Publication staff members |
| Citations | Complete references included | May include references for sources | Rarely include references for source of information |
| Language | Extremely formal, high-level; assumed reader is of a similar scholarly background | May use trade jargon, written in a professional manor | Simple language designed to meet average reading level |
| Purpose | To disseminate research study results, to inform | To inform on trends, new ideas, professional advice | To entertain or provide information about a special interest topic |