Understanding the different types of information sources, and the purposes of each, can help you determine whether you should use the information for a research paper. The formats generally fall within 3 main categories: Popular, Trade/General Interest and Scholarly. Review the chart below to understand the features of each.
Remember, all categories of sources can be found in print and digital media. There are both print and digital collections of popular, trade and scholarly sources. The place (for example, a library or a computer) you find a source does not necessarily define the type of source it is.
Anatomy of a Scholarly Article
|
|
Author(s) |
Format |
Language/vocabulary |
Graphics |
Audience |
|
Popular |
Identified sometimes Often a journalist |
No prescribed format Length varies |
Uses everyday language |
Graphics/photos designed to draw interest |
Of interest to a wide, general audience |
|
Trade/Professional |
Identified usually Credentials sometimes (~Professional) |
No prescribed format Length varies |
Common language or language of the trade |
Graphics/photos designed to draw interest |
Of interest to those employed in or following the field |
|
Scholarly (peer-reviewed) |
Always identified Academic credentials usually present |
Usually: abstract, intro, discussion, references (notes) Lengthy |
More scholarly language |
Detailed charts or graphs to show data, research findings |
Of interest to other scholars Narrow focus |
