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Evaluating Sources

Scholarly vs Popular Articles

The purpose of scholarly journal articles is to publish findings from original research. On the other hand, popular journals publish articles on contemporary topics for the general public. To better understand the differences between these types of publications, compare the qualities, characteristics, and intended audience of popular and scholarly journals. 

Popular Press Article (Magazine)

  • Articles are shorter and are written for the general public
  • General interest topics or current events are covered
  • Language is simple and easy to understand
  • The source material is not cited
  • Articles often include glossy photographs, graphics, or visuals
  • Articles are written by the publication's staff of journalists
  • Articles are edited, and information is fact-checked

Examples of magazines that contain popular articles:

        

Covers of popular magazines where articles intended for the general population are published.

Scholarly Article (Academic Journal)

  • Articles are written by scholars and researchers for academics, professionals, and experts in the field
  • Articles are longer and report original research findings
  • Topics are narrower in focus and provide in-depth analysis
  • Technical or scholarly language is used
  • Source material is cited
  • Charts and graphs illustrating research findings are included
  • Most are peer-reviewed, meaning that panels of experts review articles submitted for publication to ensure that proper research methods were used and research findings are contributing something new to the field before selecting for publication.
  • Articles are edited, and information is fact-checked

Examples of academic journals that contain scholarly articles:

       

Covers of academic journals where original research is published.

Peer-Reviewed Journals

Identifying Peer-Reviewed Articles

Some assignments require the use of peer-reviewed journal articles. Use these methods to determine if a journal is peer-reviewed.

  • Do a simple Google search to find the journal publisher's website. The publisher's description of the journal will indicate whether it is peer-reviewed.
  • Search for the Journal using the Publication Locator. Type the name of the journal in the search textbox and click search. The journal record describes the publication type at the top. Databases that contain the full text of the journal are listed and linked below the entry.

Please note that academic journals may also contain articles that are not peer-reviewed, such as letters to the editor, editorials, book reviews, and other commentary. 

Peer Review Process

The Peer-Review Process

While magazines, trade journals, and newspapers employ editors and journalists to cover stories, academic journals follow a different process for soliciting and publishing articles in their publications. An academic journal's purpose is to publish original research findings. Articles submitted to scholarly journals by academics and researchers go through a rigorous review called the peer-review process. Editors determine whether submissions fit within the journal's scope and whether the research used accepted scientific research principles and research findings add something new to the body of knowledge. If an article is selected, it is sent to a committee of experts--or peers--for review and comment. The committee may recommend edits and other changes to the article. It is then returned to the author to make revisions. Following revision, it is resubmitted to the editor where it may undergo the peer-review process again until it is ready for publication.

Trade Journals

Trade journals are published for members of a particular profession or trade group. They are a great source for industry trends, new products, best practices, and organizational policy. Article authors are usually active in the industry and the purpose of many articles is to provide practical information that can be applied immediately in the workplace. Articles in trade journals:

  • Are shorter in length than academic journal articles.
  • Are written for industry professionals
  • Use a professional tone and may include industry jargon
  • May include citations and references but are not peer-reviewed
  • Often include professional association policy, rules, standards, and position statements
  • Include pictures and illustrations
  • Include product advertisements
  • Include job and conference announcements 
  • Articles are edited, and information is fact-checked

        

Covers of trade journals, a good source for trade and industry information.

Types of Research

Research involves developing a hypothesis and devising a plan to gather data to test the validity of the hypothesis. There are various research methods used across disciplines. Researchers select the research method that best fits their research question.

There are three categories of research methods used when conducting a research study. They are:

  • Quantitative Research Methods 
    • Used when comparing the relationship between defined variables
    • Data tends to be numeric, and statistical analysis is used to show relationships between the variables
  • Qualitative Research Methods
    • Used when observing behaviors, structures, and/or relationships between groups
    • Data is generally not numeric but is gathered through interviews, observation, questionnaires, and surveys. Researchers look for themes and patterns in the responses collected.
  • Mixed Methods Approach
    • This approach uses both quantitative and qualitative research methods in the research design.

Use the table below to gain a deeper understanding of the differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods:

Quantitative

Qualitative

Methods of data collection include: questionnaires, data mining (such as chart review), scales (ex. Likert)

Methods of data collection include: focus groups, interviews, open-ended question surveys

Data analysis: Statistical (uses software like SPSS)

Data analysis: Thematic*

Results are numbers focused, looks for relationships (correlation) among variables, effectiveness of interventions

Results are a narrative (story), quotes from participants or surveys**

Focuses on measurement

Focuses on description

Often has larger sample sizes - randomization

Often has small sample sizes - purposeful (snowball)

Rigor: Reliability and validity

Rigor: Trustworthiness

Looks for generalizability***

Not meant to be generalizable

Tests theory

Develops theories and frameworks

 

When evaluating a peer-reviewed article, read through the methods section to understand the research design and sample size or number of participants in the study. This is another factor you can use to evaluate the quality of the research.