GPS: Shelter the World: Evaluating Sources

Check the Anatomy of a Scholarly Article to find out what a scholarly article generally looks like.  Please note that this is only one example of the format of a scholarly article. Scholarly articles can also contain headings such as methodology, discussion of results etc.

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What are their advantages?

Scholarly: Articles are usually evaluated by experts before publication (peer reviewed). Footnotes or bibliographies support research and point to further research on the topic. Authors dsecribe methodology and and supply data to support research results.

Popular: Written for non-specialists. Timely coverage of popular topics and current events. Good sources for topics related to popular culture.

Trade: Timely coverage of industry trends. Sometimes contain short bibliographies. Shorter articles that are informal and practical.

What are their disadvantages?

Scholarly: Articles often use specialized terminology of the field that can be difficult for non-specialists to read. Scholarly journals are expensive and may not be readily available. Research and review process takes time; not as useful for current events or popular culture.

Popular: Articles are selected by editors who may know little about the topic. Authors usually do not cite sources. Published to make a profit; the line between informing and selling may be blurred.

Trade: Not peer reviewed, though author is usually a professional in the field. Use of specialized terminology of the field. Evidence drawn from personal experience or common knowledge but NOT rigorous research.

Adapted from: Evaluating Sources: Using the RADAR Framework,  Loyola Marymount University