Instructors often ask students to find “scholarly”, “academic”, or “peer reviewed” sources of information for their research. These terms all refer to the same type of information – sources based on in-depth research, and are considered higher in quality and more reliable for your research. These sources can range from chapters within books or entire books, or journal articles, but all have common characteristics that can help you recognize that type of information.
Scholarly
General Purpose (Popular)
Trade/Professional publications
Do you have AAA?
Audience - Who is the intended audience? Is the information slanted?
Authority - Is the author/organization credible? Do they have a liberal/conservative focus?
Authenticity - Is the information on the page correct?
Or
Does your information PASS?
Purpose - Why was this information generated? Is there an agenda?
Audience - Who is the intended audience? Is the information slanted?
Scope - Does the site cover the information you need?
Support - Is the information supported?