One of the most important things academics need to master is knowing how to find scholarly articles. Scholarly sources play a crucial role in research, as they offer valuable and reliable information for academic investigations and intellectual discussions. Early career researchers and doctoral students are constantly advised to rigorously cross-check the sources they cite for their research work. They are also periodically reminded to ensure that a sizeable proportion of their citations are from scholarly sources like academic publications and journals that have been authored by experts in a particular field of study. This is because scholarly articles and sources are considered credible and verified by experts in a particular field of study. They go through an exacting peer review process where their quality and validity are screened and evaluated prior to publication.
In this article we will look at the differences between scholarly and popular sources, how to identify scholarly articles and sources, the different types and where to find them.
Difference between scholarly and popular sources
While researchers primarily use scholarly sources for their work, there are also a variety of research projects that allow a combination of scholarly and popular sources. As doctoral students and early career researchers, it is important to understand how scholarly sources differ from popular ones and how to identify them.
| Scholarly sources | Popular sources | |
| Peer review | Scholarly sources usually undergo a rigorous and detailed peer review process undertaken by subject matter experts in the chosen field. | Popular sources may undergo editing and fact checking, though this may not be the case with all sources. |
| Author affiliations | Authors are usually experts in the field, and are associated with a university or institution. | Authors need not necessarily be subject experts. |
| Original research | Written by experts who present original research and a new understanding or perspectives on a specific discipline. | Written by journalists, or people who may have an interest (not academic) on a subject. |
| Audience | Scholars, researchers, faculty, and students in a primary or related discipline. | The public at large or special categories of people. |
| Publishers | University press, commercial publishers | Companies, and even self-publishing as in the case of blogs |
| Language | Use of formal, objective, specialized language with highly technical terms, as it addresses those with basic knowledge of the specific subject. | Use of more informal, simpler language that can be easily understood by wider audiences. |
| Length and detail | These are often detailed and extensive, offering a comprehensive analysis on the methodology and findings. | These are more general in their approach and are usually not backed by in-depth research |
| References | Include accurate citations in the form of footnotes and bibliography for the sources used. | Sources may contain citations and references though it is not mandated. |
Types of scholarly sources
There are several types of scholarly sources that academics can refer to and cite in their research work. These can be divided into the three main categories listed below.
- Conference papers: Papers presented at conferences and published as proceedings, providing insights into the latest research and developments within a specific field.
- Monographs and books: In-depth studies or research works published as standalone books or monographs, providing comprehensive coverage of a specific topic or research area.
- Dissertations and theses: Research works produced by graduate students, often as requirements for advanced degrees, presenting original research and analysis.
How to find scholarly sources: Top considerations
One of the most common challenges for early career researchers is knowing how to find scholarly articles. Research databases and content aggregators like JSTOR, PubMed, Science Direct and others offer researchers an easy way to find subject-specific scholarly sources. Libraries of affiliated institutions and peer-reviewed journals and books published by reputed publishing houses are another source for credible scholarly work.
When it comes to know how to find scholarly sources, it is important to consider the following points.
- Ensure relevance: Narrow down the search parameters to ensure that the sources align with the research topic and objectives.
- Check age of research: Look for and rely on more recent publications to access the latest research and advancements in the field.
- Credibility: Check the reputation and impact factor of the journal or publisher where the article is published to assess the reliability of the source.
- Bias and Balance: Evaluate the scholarly source for any potential bias or skewed presentation of information to ensure an objective viewpoint and avoid introducing bias in your work.
- Consistency: Verify that the information presented aligns with other credible sources and does not contradict established knowledge (without adequate proof).
- Methodology: Assess the research methodology used and the transparency of data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
- Citations and References: Examine the quality and relevance of the citations and references provided to ensure the source builds upon reliable and credible research.
Using scholarly sources instead of popular sources contributes to advancement of knowledge within the academic community. By understanding the characteristics of scholarly sources, differentiating them from popular sources, and employing effective strategies on how to find scholarly articles, researchers can ensure the credibility and quality of their work.
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