Characteristics of Sources

Characteristics of a Scholarly Source:

• Peer-Reviewed, articles have been approved by professionals within the same field
• Author of source generally has a degree on topic/subject they are writing
• Intended for audience with basic understanding of topic/subject
• Sources are cited
• Text/Graphic Dense

Example of a Scholarly Source:

Advances in Wound Care: The Journal for Prevention and Healing

• Available through online database
• Indicates it is peer-reviewed
• An online search of an author's name reveals he has a medical degree (related to subject of journal)
• Few ads, ads present are related to the subject or professional field associations

Characteristics of a Popular Source:

• A lot of advertisements
• Intended for general audience who may not have basic understanding of topic/subject
• Does not cite sources as a rule
• Author may not be considered an expert on topic/subject
• Picture dense

Example of a Popular Source:

National Geographic

• Many ads by popular mainstream companies selling products like cameras, alcohol, and insurance
• Mix of authoritative authors and authors with little subject authority
• No indication of peer-review
• Many pictures with short articles
• Few to no cited sources