Scholarly sources are materials that have been evaluated by experts in their chosen fields. Also known as academic or peer-reviewed sources, they are characterized by a rigorous critique process.
You can find scholarly sources in journals, books published by university presses, or conference proceedings. They are intended for an audience of researchers, professors, and other readers who are knowledgeable about a subject.
When reading scholarly sources, you consult materials that aim to expand your knowledge. These sources do this through new research, analysis, or theoretical development.
Scholarly sources stand in contrast to more widely used sources like magazines and news websites, which are typically aimed at a general audience. Using scholarly sources is essential in academic work because they provide academic expertise, credibility, and a comprehensive understanding of a topic.
What is a Scholarly Source?
A scholarly source is a publication that experts write for an audience composed of researchers, students, or specialists in a specific discipline. These sources are characterized by:
- Peer-reviewed content that has undergone rigorous evaluation by other scholars or experts in the field.
- An author or authors who are recognized authorities in the subject matter, often affiliated with academic institutions.
- Detailed citations and an extensive bibliography or references section that verifies the research and offers avenues for further inquiry.
When you’re examining whether a publication is a scholarly source, consider the publisher. Academic presses or professional organizations usually publish these texts. Common formats of scholarly materials include books, research journals, and academic conference proceedings.
The peer-review process ensures quality control. During this process, a scholar’s peers check the work’s validity, relevance, and originality before it is deemed worthy of publication.
| Criteria | Scholarly Source |
| Authors | Credentialed experts, often with academic titles |
| Content | Original research, theories, and analysis |
| Documentation | Extensive references and footnotes |
| Language | Specialized terminology for an academic audience |
| Publisher | Academic or professional organizations |
| Review Process | Peer-reviewed by subject-matter experts |
Scholarly sources are instrumental in supporting research with concrete evidence and providing a solid foundation for your arguments.
Types of Sources
In academic research, it is crucial to recognize the different types of scholarly sources. These sources are designated by their credibility and reliance upon evidence, peer review, and references to support their claims.
- Journals: You’ll find scholarly articles here, often subjected to stringent peer-review processes before publication. They represent current research and are published periodically.
- Books: Scholarly books can offer extensive research on a particular subject. These materials are typically written by experts in the field and provide well-cited, in-depth coverage.
- Primary Sources: Known as the raw materials of research—original documents or studies that have not been interpreted by others. Examples include interviews, surveys, and experimental data.
- Conference Proceedings: Scholars present their findings or workshops here. These publications often serve as preliminary distributions of cutting-edge research.
- Editorials: Opinion pieces written by senior editors or expert contributors, found mainly in journals and newspapers. Editorials can offer insight into scholarly perspectives.
- Non-Technical Magazines and Newspapers: While these popular sources are not scholarly, they can be useful for current events, public opinion, or broad coverage of a topic.
It’s important to assess the relevance and credibility of these sources while conducting research. Always consider the purpose of your study and the type of information you need when choosing sources.
How Do I Find Scholarly Sources?
When seeking scholarly sources, your first step should be to use databases and search engines specifically designed for scholarly literature. Popular options include:
- Google Scholar: A freely accessible search engine that indexes scholarly articles across various disciplines.
- JSTOR: A digital library that provides access to thousands of scholarly books and journals.
- PubMed: A resource offering access to biomedical and life sciences materials.
- Academic Search Premier: A database offering a varied collection of scholarly journals.
- OneSearch: Some university libraries offer this tool for students to search across many databases in a single search engine.
To use these tools effectively, consider these steps:
- Identify Keywords: Before you begin, consider the keywords related to your topic.
- Advanced Search Options: Use filters like publication date, subject area, and source type to narrow your results.
- Access through Your University: Some resources, such as JSTOR or Academic Search Premier, might be accessible for free through your university library’s portal.
Additionally, look for published book reviews in your area of interest or consult works from a reputable university press. These sources are peer-reviewed and recognized for their scholarly value.
Remember, if you’re ever uncertain about the credibility of a source, ask a librarian at your university library. They can guide you in evaluating sources and may offer workshops on research strategies. Keep track of the sources you review, noting their relevance and authority to your subject. With these practices, you will become proficient in gathering reliable and trustworthy scholarly materials for your research.
How Do I Check Sources?
When searching for scholarly materials, it’s crucial to assess the credibility of your sources to ensure your research is based on accurate and authoritative information. Here are key criteria to guide you through the evaluation process:
- Credibility: Check the credentials and affiliations of the author. Are they a recognized expert in their field?
- Peer Review: Determine if the article is from a peer-reviewed journal. This process adds a layer of scrutiny and implies that other experts have assessed the work.
- Bias: Look for objectivity in writing. Is there evidence of bias? Does the author present a balanced viewpoint, or is the content one-sided?
- Evaluation: Use the CRAAP Test—an acronym for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. This helps you consider the timeliness of the information, as well as the precision and intention behind its publication.
- Authority: Identify the publisher. Determine if the source was published by a reputable institution.
- Relevance: Check the publication date. Is the information up-to-date and still relevant in your field of study?
- Purpose: Understand why the source was created. Does it aim to inform, teach, sell, entertain, or persuade?
Integrating and Citing Sources
When writing academically, the best way to establish credibility and enhance your argument is to introduce and cite scholarly sources.
How to Integrate Sources
- Quoting: Include exact text from the source within quotation marks, followed by an in-text citation.
- Paraphrasing: Rewrite the source’s ideas in your own words to maintain the original meaning and include a citation.
In both instances, the APA (American Psychological Association) citation style could be used, which requires specific formatting.
Creating a List of References
At the end of your paper, include a bibliography that catalogs all the sources cited within your work. Each reference should contain enough information so your readers can locate the original material.
APA Citation Examples
- Book: Author’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Title of the book. Publisher. Journal Article: Author’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Title of the article. Title of the Journal, Volume (Issue), Page Numbers.
By correctly citing sources, you respect intellectual property rights and avoid plagiarism. Your citations allow others to follow the conversation and assess the basis of your claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating scholarly sources is essential for academic work, and understanding how to identify and use them is key to conducting reliable research. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about scholarly sources.
How does one identify a scholarly source?
You can identify a scholarly source by checking for formal publication through academic institutions, the presence of citations and extensive bibliographies, the author’s credentials and affiliations, and a peer-review process that ensures quality and credibility.
What distinguishes a scholarly source from a popular source?
A scholarly source is characterized by a formal tone, a structured abstract, a full account of procedures, and a discussion of the implications of the research. A popular source often focuses on general audiences with articles that are more accessible, less technical, and frequently non-peer-reviewed.
What are the main sections found in a scholarly article?
Usually, a scholarly article contains an abstract, introduction, literature review, method, results, discussion, and references. These sections work together to provide comprehensive details about the research conducted.
How can one determine if a website provides scholarly sources?
To determine if a website provides scholarly sources, look for associated universities or research facilities, indications of peer review, and author credentials. URLs ending in .edu, .gov, or .org often provide more scholarly content.
In what formats can scholarly sources typically be found?
Scholarly sources are generally found in academic journals, conference papers, dissertations, and research reports, and they are available in print and electronic formats.
Are government (.gov) or educational (.edu) websites considered scholarly sources?
Government (.gov) and educational (.edu) websites can be considered scholarly sources when they present original research, statistics, or comprehensive reports, often with a high level of expertise in their field. Remember to always check credibility on a case-by-case basis.
Sources
“Academic Guides: Evaluating Resources: Conference Proceedings.” Conference Proceedings – Evaluating Resources – Academic Guides at Walden University, academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/evaluating/resource-types/conferenceproceedings. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.
“Association of University Presses.” Association of University Presses, 22 Sept. 2023, aupresses.org/.
“Research Guides: Online Research: Craap Test.” CRAAP Test – Online Research – Research Guides at Central Michigan University Libraries, libguides.cmich.edu/web_research/craap#:~:text=The%20test%20provides%20a%20list,more%20information%2C%20please%20see%20below. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.
“Research Guides: Peer-Reviewed, Refereed, Scholarly Publications: Peer-Reviewed, Refereed, Scholarly Articles.” Peer-Reviewed, Refereed, Scholarly Articles – Peer-Reviewed, Refereed, Scholarly Publications – Research Guides at CUNY Lehman College, libguides.lehman.edu/peer-review/What-is-a-Peer-Reviewed-Refereed-Scholarly-Article. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.
“What Counts as a Scholarly Source?” What Counts as a Scholarly Source? | University of Toronto Libraries, onesearch.library.utoronto.ca/faq/what-counts-scholarly-source. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.