Journals or Google
Scholarly journals are a great place to look for studies, facts, current research, and/or ideas.
However, scholarly articles is just one piece of the research puzzle.
Don't forget to use other resources such as,
- Encyclopedias
- Books
- Trade Magazines
- Data Sets/ Statistics
- Government Websites
When reseaching consult multiple sources. Don't rely exclusively on Google or just on scholary journals.
Need help with researching? Just ask a MCNY librarian; we are to help you succeed.
Scholarly Journals vs. Magazines
How are Scholarly Journals Different from Popular Magazines?
|
Criteria |
Scholarly Journals |
Popular Magazines |
|
Content (Accuracy) |
In-depth, primary account of original findings written by the researcher(s); very specific information, with the goal of scholarly communication |
Secondary discussion of someone else's research; may include personal narrative or opinion; general information, purpose is to entertain or inform. |
|
Author (Authority) |
Author's credentials are provided; usually a scholar or specialist with subject expertise. |
Author is frequently a journalist paid to write articles, may or may not have subject expertise. |
|
Audience (Coverage) |
Scholars, researchers, and students |
General public; the interested non-specialist. |
|
Language (Coverage) |
Specialized terminology or jargon of the field; requires expertise in subject area. |
Vocabulary in general usage; easily understandable to most readers. |
|
Graphics (Coverage) |
Graphs, charts, and tables; very few advertisements and photographs. |
Graphs, charts and tables; lots of glossy advertisements and photographs. |
|
Layout & Organization (Currency) |
Structured; includes the article abstract, goals and objectives, methodology, results (evidence), discussion, conclusion, and bibliography. |
Informal; may include non-standard formatting. May not present supporting evidence or a conclusion. |
|
Accountability (Objectivity) |
Articles are evaluated by peer-reviewers or referees who are experts in the field; edited for content, format, and style. |
Articles are evaluated by editorial staff, not experts in the field; edited for format and style. |
|
References (Objectivity) |
Required. Quotes and facts are verifiable. |
Rare. Little, if any, information about source materials is given. |
This information was adapted from: http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/guides/spmaterials/