Evaluating Information

Learn how to evaluate information for credibility, accuracy, and relevance in your academic and everyday research.

Understanding Types of Periodicals

In library research, periodicals (ex. journals, magazines) fall into three main categories: scholarly, trade, and popular. Each serves a different purpose and audience. Scholarly sources are research-focused and peer-reviewed, trade publications cover trends and news for professionals, and popular sources are geared toward the general public.

Knowing the difference helps you choose the right source for your research needs.

Scholarly Sources

Sometimes called 'Peer-Reviewed' or 'Refereed' Journals

Contains articles presenting original research or events relating to a specific discipline.
Written by professors, researchers or professionals; credentials are usually stated in the article.
Mostly text supported by black and white figures, graphs, tables or charts; few advertisments.
Articles are usually evaluated by experts before publication (peer reviewed).
Bibliographies support research and point to further research on a topic

The Anatomy of a Scholarly Article

This infographic breaks down the components of a peer-reviewed article, highlighting how to efficiently read a scholarly article.

Click to enlarge

Sometimes Called 'Grey Literature' Because the Content is In-Between Popular & Scholarly

Articles about news, trends, best practices and products for a specific industry or profession.
Written by a professional in the field, sometimes a journalist with subject area expertise. Often published by a trade association.
Written for practitioners in a field who want to know news, trends and best practices for their specific industry or profession.
Timely coverage of industry trends.
Not peer reviewed, though author is usually a professional in the field.

Popular Magazines Like Time, Newsweek

Articles about current events and popular culture, opinion pieces, self help tips, advertising.
Written by staff writers or freelancers; names and credentials often not stated.
Glossy, color photographs, easy to read layout, plenty of advertising.
Timely coverage of popular topics and current events.
Authors usually do not cite sources.