Gingrich Library: Your Success Is Why We're Here!
Most scholarly resources should meet the four criteria below:
Authority: When figuring out the authority of a resource, ask yourself the following questions:
1. Who is the Author?
2. Are they qualified or an expert in their field?
3. Is there contact information for online author(s) (for websites)?
Accuracy: Ask these questions to see if the resource is accurate:
1. Can the facts in the resource be double checked against other sources?
2. Does the resource have good references or citations OR does it link to other reputable resources (in the case of internet resources)?
Currency: The older a resource is, the less likely it has up-to-date information. Ask yourself these questions to see if the resource is current:
1. Is the research or information in the resources current and fresh?
2. Is it more the 5 years old? Is it considered current for its field?
Objectivity: Ask yourself the following questions to make sure the resource stays objective:
1. Is the resource free of bias or opinion?
2. Is the author trying to sell an idea, product or point of view?
3. Is the information factual and objective rather than subjective?
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Characteristics |
Scholarly Journal |
Popular Magazine |
|
Length |
Articles are usually 10 pages or more in length; providing in-depth analysis of topics |
These are shorter articles (less than 10 pages), providing a broader overview of topics |
|
Written by |
Author is usually an expert or specialist in the field, and their name and credentials are always provided |
Author is usually a journalist or a staff writer, and their name and credentials are often not provided |
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Language/Written for |
Written in technical language for professors, researchers, and students of the field |
Written at a high school level for the general public |
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Coverage |
Original research results and scholarship |
Popular topics and current events |
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Slant |
Supposed to present objective/neutral viewpoint |
May reflect the editorial bias or slant of the magazine |
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Frequency |
Usually quarterly |
Usually weekly |
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Format/Structure |
Articles are usually structured and may include an abstract, literature review, methodology, results, conclusion, bibliography |
Articles do not necessarily follow a specific format or structure |
|
Special Features |
Illustrations that support the text, such as, tables of statistics, graphs, diagrams, maps, or photographs |
Illustrations with glossy paper or color photographs |
|
Appearance |
Serious with few colors and few or no advertisements |
Glossy with pictures and advertisements |
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Editors |
Articles usually reviewed and critically evaluated by a board of experts in the field (known as peer-reviewed) |
Articles are not reviewed by experts in the field, but by editors on staff |
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References Cited |
Usually includes a bibliography and/or footnotes |
Usually has no bibliography or footnotes |
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Examples |
Ecology Social Science Quarterly American Political Science Review
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Time Newsweek Sports Illustrated Scientific American |
Remember to ask yourself questions about the authority, accuracy, currency, and objectivity of the resource. Here is a video that can also help you evaluate the resource.