Evaluating Information: Articles

Scholarly/academic/peer reviewed articles are written by experts in the field and reviewed by other experts in the field prior to publication. This type of article is often required in a research paper/project. Typical characteristics of scholarly articles are: 

• They are usually long, typically between 5-20 pages. 
• Multiple authors are more common than only one.
• Statement of credentials and affiliation of the author(s) regularly appears. The author(s) are often affiliated with a university/college or research hospital.
• They are almost exclusively about research conducted or literature available in a field or area of study.
• Usually have charts and graphs rather than photos.
• Sections often mirror the research process; i.e., literature review, methodology, findings, etc.
• Technical or specialist language is common because other professionals in the field are the target audience.
• They will contain a references list or works cited. If this is not present, it is not a scholarly article.
• The sources cited will also appear scholarly. If the sources don't appear credible, neither is the article.
• Other articles in the journal will also have scholarly article indicators.
• The journal title will allude to the fact it is intended for a specific group rather than the general public.

Often stories and images with words circulated on social media are outdated, very heavily biased, blatantly false, or refer to an issue, problem, or situation that has been resolved or no longer exists. It is very important to fact check any story or image before accepting it as current or true. See the social media tab for more information.

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