Information Sources

When scholars or researchers want to publish their research and findings in a journal, they submit their work to a peer-review process. Their article is sent to other scholars in the same field who analyze it and make sure it is of high quality, relevant, reliable, and free from bias. It is then sent back for revisions or approval for publication. Journal articles may also be called scholarly articles, peer-reviewed articles, refereed articles, or academic articles.

Why Use a Journal?

• Provides scholarly, in-depth information based on research
• Information focuses on a narrow and specific area of a topic to provide new, original research, knowledge and analysis
• Information is reviewed by experts to help ensure accuracy
• Adds to a growing understanding of a topic by contributing new ideas

             Characteristics of a Journal

              Purpose                      Reports on original research, experimentation, and theory; refutes/supports theories of other 

                                                  researchers in the field

              Content                      Scholarly academic or scientific articles which usually focus on original research in a specific 

                                                  subject field or discipline, review articles, or book reviews; often includes a methodology

              Intended Audience    Written for scholars and professionals in subject field or discipline

              Authors                      Experts, scholars, academics, researchers, or professionals in subject fields

              Layout & Style           Usually long articles, often including charts, tables, and graphs

              Text                             Technical, specialized terminology and language; assumes some discipline knowledge on   

                                                  the part of the reader

              References                Documented research with footnotes and bibliographies

              Review Policy            Reviewed by a panel of peers

              Publisher                   Published by an association, academic institution, or professional organization

              Frequency                 Quarterly or biannually

              Availability                By subscription

 

                    Examples

                    Child Development

                    American Journal of Nursing

                    Kansas History: a Journal of the Central Plains