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Educational Innovation: Looking at Journal Articles

This guide gives an introduction to Reese Library and library research for students in the Doctor of Education in Educational Innovation program.

Academic vs. professional vs. popular articles

Many times, you will be instructed by professors to use "scholarly sources" for your research.

What does this even mean?

Simply put, scholarly sources are those produced by experts in the field.

The "scholarly source" often - but not always - undergoes a peer-review process. At the very least, a scholarly source is accepted by a reputable, editorial body before publication, for example, editors of an academic journal, or an academic press. 

 
"Scholarly source" - an ambiguous phrase

"Scholarly sources" can mean different things to academics.

Some professors consider only peer-reviewed journal articles to be a scholarly source, others accept trade publications (professional journals), and others accept books published by academic presses. If in doubt, check with your professor to see what they consider to be a "scholarly source".

However, an important note is that a "scholarly source" is not a "popular source".

 

Distinguishing Scholarly and Popular Sources

A popular source is a source aimed at a mass-market, e.g. a magazine you would find in a supermarket or newsstand; or a book aimed at a general audience.

Watch the video below on "Scholarly and Popular Sources" for more information about the difference between scholarly and popular sources. Note that the kind of source you need to use is also determined by the nature of your research project.

Credit: Carnegie Vincent Library

Learn about the "anatomy" of a scholarly article:

  • Video tutorial (6:19 mins) by Fresno State University
  • Interactive article from NCSU, indicating the various elements of a scholarly article.

Credit: Fresno State University

Academic Journals vs. Trade Publications vs. Magazines

When researching for articles, it is important to distinguish between three main types-  academic journal articles, trade publications / magazines, and magazines. Academic journal articles are typically referred to as "scholarly," while magazine articles are usually considered "popular" (NCSU).

"Trade" magazines or publications, are written for professionals in a particular field but are not strictly research related. Below are additional criteria to consider when differentiating between these main types (NCSU):

 

Criteria Academic Journal Trade Publication (Professional Journal) Magazine
Example Journal of Abnormal Psychology Nursing Times trade publication Psychology Today magazine

Content

(Accuracy)
  • Purpose is scholarly communication, i.e. to share the author/s research, case-study, scholarly review, etc. with peers in the field.
  • In-depth, primary account of original findings or analysis, written by the researcher(s).
  • Very specific information.
  • Purpose is to share practical information for professionals working in a specific field or industry.
  • Secondary discussion of someone else's research.
  • Current news, trends and products in a specific industry.
  • Purpose is to entertain or inform a mass audience.
  • Secondary discussion of someone else's research.
  • May include personal narrative or opinion.
  • General information.

Author

(Authority)
  • Typically the author is a scholar or specialist with subject expertise.
  • Credentials and affiliation are provided.
  • Author is frequently a journalist paid to write articles
  • May or may not have subject expertise.
  • Author is usually a professional in the field; occasionally it is a journalist with subject expertise.

Audience
  • Primarily, scholars, researchers, and students.
  • Professionals in certain fields may also find academic articles to be of interest.
  • General public; the interested non-specialist.
  • Professionals in the field; the interested non-specialist.

Language

(Authority)
  • Specialized terminology or jargon of the field; requires expertise in subject area.
  • Specialized terminology or jargon of the field, but not as technical as a scholarly journal.
  • Everyday vocabulary; easily understandable to most readers.
Graphics
  • Graphs, charts, and tables
  • Very few advertisements and photographs.
  • Typically photographs, and some graphics and charts
  • Advertisements targeted to professionals in the field.
  • Graphs, charts and tables
  • Lot of glossy advertisements and photographs.
Layout & Organization
  • Structured
  • Typically includes the article abstract, goals and objectives, methodology, results (evidence), discussion, conclusion, and a list of references. 
  • Informal; may include non-standard formatting. 
  • May not present supporting evidence or a conclusion.
  • Informal; articles organized like a journal or a newsletter.
  • Evidence drawn from personal experience or common knowledge.
  • Evidence occasionally drawn from an expert or a study that favors the agenda of the article.
Accountability (Authority)
  • Articles are evaluated by peer-reviewers* or referees who are experts in the field
  • Edited for content, format, and style.
  • Articles are evaluated by editorial staff who may be experts in the field.
  • Not peer-reviewed*
  • Edited for format and style.
  • Articles are evaluated by editorial staff with journalism or writing qualifications; may be knowledgeable in the field but are typically not experts.
  • Edited for format and style.

References

(Authority)
  • Required.
  • Quotes and facts are verifiable.
  • Occasional a brief reference list, not required.
  • Rare. Little, if any, information about source materials is given.
  • If provided, often informally cited, often making it a challenge to track down. Eg. "According to a Harvard study last year..."
Paging
  • Page numbers are consecutive throughout the volume.
  • Each issue begins with page 1.
  • Each issue begins with page 1.
Other Examples
  • Scholarly Journal
  • Annals of Mathematics
  • Journal of Abnormal Psychology
  • History of Education Quarterly

Almost anything with Journal in the title, but not all (see last example of magazines in far right column)
  • Each issue begins with page 1.
  • Sports Illustrated
  • National Geographic
  • Time
  • Newsweek
  • Cooking Light
  • Discover
  • Ladies Home Journal

 

Adapted from Scholarly vs. Popular Materials by Amy VanScoy, NCSU Library
http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/guides/spmaterials/