What is a scholarly or peer-reviewed journal article?
Answer
For research assignments, a professor may require that you use articles from "scholarly" or "peer reviewed" journals. These are journals whose purpose is to disseminate new findings, results of studies, theories, etc.
Scholarly journals are written and edited by professors and researchers. Before publication, articles are reviewed by other researchers in the field of interest, hence the name "peer reviewed."
Many library databases allow you to limit your search results to peer reviewed articles.
Appearance & Format
- "Journal," "Transactions," "Proceedings," or "Quarterly" commonly appear in the journal title.
- Articles include sections such as abstract, keywords, literature review, methodology, results, conclusion.
- Advertising is limited to books and meetings.
Authors & Editors
- Authors are scholars writing about their own research.
- Authors are affiliated with a college, university, or research institute.
- Articles are reviewed by a board of experts ("peer reviewed").
Readership & Language
- Content is aimed at practitioners in a particular field of study.
- The language is often intensely academic, using the jargon of the field.
Documentation
- Sources are always cited using footnotes or parenthetical references.
- There is a "works cited" section at end of articles.