Scholarly Articles: Finding and Recognizing 

Frequently periodicals are divided into two categories: Scholarly or Non-scholarly, though it might be more useful to consider three categories:

These categories are not definitive and opinions as to where a journal or an article falls will differ. Your professor must be the final authority on what is considered appropriate and acceptable for your assignment. Understanding and being able to identify the various types of periodicals is crucial to the research process.

One major criteria to consider: is the journal Peer-reviewed or Refereed? When a journal is peer-reviewed it means that a panel of experts in the field have reviewed the journal article for quality and accuracy before it isaccepted for publication.

Note: Very nearly all scholarly journals are peer-reviewed, but not all peer-reviewed journals might be considered scholarly.

Scholarly - Journals that present in-depth, original research and commentary on current developments within a specific field. These articles have been written by scholars in the field and reviewed by other scholars in the field for scholastic standards and validity.

Professional/Authoritative - Journals focused on a specific field with articles written by someone who has the education and experience to be considered an authority. These articles might or might not be peer reviewed.

Popular - Magazines and newspapers written for the general public by professional writers or journalists. Articles are gnerally short and provide a broad overview of a topic rather than in-depth analysis.

	Scholarly	Professional / Authoritative	Popular
Examples
Characteristics	peer-reviewed contains original research lengthy with in-depth analysis uses scholarly/technical language author creditials provided cites sources	sometimes peer-reviewed reports on developments & trends within discipline or industry varied length articles uses some technical language author creditials may be provided often cites sources	not peer-reviewed covers current events & pop culture varied length articles written for general public seldom signed by author rarely cites sources
Written by	Scholars or researchers in the field who usually have an advanced degrees (PhD and/or Masters)	Scholars or professionals who have education and experience in the field	Journalists, freelance writers or publication's staff
Written for	Academic community	Academic and Professional community	General Public
Published by	Scholarly societies/associations or academic presses	Professional associations, foundations	Mostly commercial companies for profit