LibGuides: ENGL 101- English Composition I- Doherty: Databases

Scholarly vs. Popular

Check Your Source

Check Your Sources

Scholarly Journal

In-Depth- primary account of original findings written by the researcher. Very specific information.
Purpose- to advance knowledge and educate.
Author- Usually a scholar or specialist with subject expertise and credentials provided.
Written for scholars, researchers, and students.
Uses specialized terminology or jargon of the field.
Format- includes the article abstract, goals and objectives, methodology, results (evidence), discussion, conclusion, and bibliography.
Articles are evaluated by peer-reviewers or referees who are experts in the field.
References are provided.
Examples- Journal of Abnormal Psychology, History of Education Quarterly

Popular Magazine

Secondary discussion of someone else's research, may include personal narrative or opinion, general information.
Purpose- to entertain or inform
Author- frequently a journalist paid to write articles, may or may not have subject expertise.
Written for the general public and interested non-specialists.
Easily understandable to most readers.
Format- may include non-standard formatting. May not present supporting evidence or a conclusion.
Articles are evaluated by editorial staff not experts in the field.
References or source materials rarely provided.
Examples- Sports Illustrated, National Geographic, Time, Newsweek, Ladies Home Journal.

Trade Journal or Magazine

Current news, trends or products in a specific field or industry.
Purpose- provide practical industry information
Author- usually industry professional, sometimes a journalist with subject expertise.
Written for industry professionals and interested non-specialists.
Uses specialized terminology or jargon of the field, but not as technical as a scholarly journal.
Format- organized like a journal or newsletter. Presents evidence from personal experience or common knowledge.
Articles are evaluated by editorial staff, not peer reviewed.
References may be provided in brief bibliography, not required.
Examples- PC World, Restaurant Business, Psychology Today, School Band and Orchestra

Keyword Searching

Keyword searches find articles that contain the word(s) typed in the search box. Brainstorm synonyms and alternative words for your topic, thesis, or essential question. Using words such as AND, OR, and NOT with your keywords help narrow or expand the search results.

Database Limiters

Database limiters reduce the number of search results. I have highlighted only a few of the database limiters. Please experiment with the other limiters offered for database searches.

This type of search will locate complete articles, not just abstracts describing the contents of the articles.

Complete articles can be located without limiting to full-text. Click the "Find It" link next to an article in the search results and follow the instructions to request the full article.

Examples of source types include scholarly/peer reviewed articles, magazines, and newspapers. Other source types are also available as limiters

Depending on your topic, you may want to limit the search results date to recent publication years.

Background Resources

Credo Reference

Articles from encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other reference sources from all subject areas. Includes images, audio pronunciation files, maps, and data tables.