Evaluating Information

Purpose

Scholarly or peer-reviewed journals that present and/or report on original research

Purpose

To inform and/or entertain

Purpose

To report issues, trends, and news within a specific profession, industry, or trade

Authors

Written by experts in their fields. Often affiliated with colleges or universities, or other institutions. Credentials are explicitly stated.

Authors

Written by journalists, generalists, or nonexperts who are typically employed by or contracted to write for a publication or website. 

Authors

Written by journalists or freelancers, or the authors may be experts or scholars in a particular profession or industry.

Audience

Other scholars, researchers, or students pursuing a degree

Audience

General public and non-experts interested in a particular subject

Audience

Practitioners within the particular profession or industry

Characteristics

• Specialized terminology and jargon related to the field or subject
• Defined structure such as an abstract, objective, methodology, results, analysis, and conclusion
• Have charts and graphs to describe research findings
• Include in-text citations and references or a bibliography with sources that can be verified
• Articles are peer-reviewed meaning other experts have reviewed the  content for accuracy, methodology, and relevance
• Little or no advertising

Characteristics

• Use general vocabulary to reach a broader audience
• Informal structure with a layouts that are eye-catching to attract readers
• Include advertising 
• Have photographs or illustrations and may include eye-catching graphics
• Rarely include citations or detailed information about sources
• Articles are not peer-reviewed 

Characteristics

• Use jargon and terminology common within the industry or profession
• May have advertising but it is usually targeted at the publication's audience
• Articles may be short and to-the-point
• Include photographs and graphics