Scholarly Peer-Reviewed Versus Popular Information    Library Home | Site Map | Contact Us
     
In general, peer-reviewed articles are viewed as having more authority.   Articles from the popular press are viewed as having less credibility.


Peer-Reviewed Scholarly articles

  • are written by experts in a field
  • are reviewed and evaluated by other experts or peers
  • represent the results of scholarly research
  • are directed at a particular audience interested in a particular discipline

 


Popular articles

  • are written by authors who may have no expertise in a particular field
  • are not reviewed or evaluated by experts in that field
  • may represent a less expert point of view
  • are published more quickly
  • are written for the general population
When you view full text articles online you need to make a distinction between scholarly and popular material. Listed in the tables below are some criteria which may help you identify whether an article is from the scholarly or popular press.
 

Scholarly Publication:
Books and journals, print and online		 Popular Publication:
Books, magazines and newspapers, print and online
Cover Plain Slick & glossy 
Author Is a noted professional or expert with credentials or affiliation listed. Is a journalist, student, popular author; or may not be listed
Advertising Very little or highly specialized Significant amount
Abstract Often provided before each article Rarely provided before each article
Audience Advanced reading level; may have specialized vocabulary Basic reading level for a general audience
Indexing Articles are listed in specialized indexes; for example Professional Development Collection or PsycArticles Articles are listed in general indexes; for example Reader's Guide.
Length Often lengthy Rarely lengthy
Pagination Usually continues throughout the complete volume Restarts with each issue
Purpose Discusses a specific scholarly field Current events, general interest items
Review Policy Articles are reviewed by peers;  editorial board composed of scholars in the field Editor or editorial board are members of the magazine's staff
Sources A list of references is included at the end of each article Articles rarely include references


There are reference books which attempt to describe and evaluate magazines and journals. If you need further information about a title you may want to consult:

Katz, William A. and Katz, Linda Sternberg (2000). Magazines for libraries: for the general reader and school, junior college, college, university, and public libraries (10th ed). New York: Bowker. REF 016.05 K19m

 

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This page was updated on 09/27/06