Depending on your school or work assignments, writing expectations,
and research needs, you’ll need different types of information sources appropriate
to each situation. When writing papers or conducting research for a class, you’ll
often be expected to use information from scholarly, or peer-reviewed, sources.
When reading for pleasure, you’ll want an informative but entertaining source.
Saint Mary’s University subscribes to both scholarly and popular periodicals as
well as databases that contain both types of information sources. Recognizing
the differences between scholarly and popular information sources is important
for your successful college career.
Scholarly
Scholarly publications (also referred to as peer-reviewed, refereed,
academic, or juried) are primarily focused toward those working in very specific
fields of research and higher education.
Characteristics of a Scholarly Publication
• Longer, in-depth articles.
• Contain specialized or field-specific language.
• Information sources are always cited.
• Articles accompanied by abstracts, bibliographies, methods, results etc.
• Issues come out less often—quarterly or semi-annually.
Purpose
• Inform other scholars and students of new research and findings.
Authorship
• Experts in their fields: professionals conducting primary research,
authoritative figures, professors and scholars. Credentials are either provided or
easy to access.
• Often an organization will publish the journal, i.e. the American Medical Association
publishes JAMA, Archives of Internal Medicine, and Archives of Ophthalmology.
Additional examples of Scholarly Journals
• African Studies Review, Canadian Journal of Philosophy, Hispanic Review,
Journal of Early Christian Studies, Landscape Research.
Popular
Popular magazines appeal to a much wider audience than scholarly
publications. They often contain short articles about current events, pop culture, or
anything of general interest. They are not acceptable for research purposes.
Characteristics of a Popular Magazine
• Often features a lot of advertising.
• Colorful, glossy covers often advertising the contents inside.
• Information sources are often hard to track down or are not authoritative.
• Writing is non-technical and easily understood by all readers.
• Issues are weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly.
Purpose
• Entertainment.
• Informing the public of current trends and news in various popular subject areas.
• Sell products.
Authorship
• Articles are written by staff writers, journalists, reporters—not experts!
• Sometimes articles are unsigned.
Additional examples of Popular Magazines
• Time, Newsweek, Men’s Fitness, Reader’s Digest, Rolling Stone,
Cosmopolitan.
Trade Journals
Trade journals, another specialized type of periodical, focus on providing
relevant, up-to-date information to members of certain professions. Business, health, or
industry magazines often fit into the category of trade journals. Trade journals can be quite
useful for research but should be carefully evaluated for authority and accuracy.
Characteristics of a Trade Journal
• Colorful, glossy cover featuring an "industrial" setting.
• Contains understandable but field-specific terms—readers usually have some
specialized knowledge of the field.
• Advertising relates to the specific business or industry.
Purpose
• Inform professionals of current trends and news in fields related specifically
to their business or industry area.
Authorship
• Often specialists or practitioners in the fields in which they write.
Additional examples of Trade Journals
• Farm Journal, Automotive Manufacturing & Production, AORN, Business Law Today,
Publishers Weekly, Yard & Garden.
Still unsure of whether your source is scholarly or popular?
Don't hesitate to
Contact Us or
Make an Appointment if you need assistance.
Last revised: July 24, 2007
