Environmental Studies Research Guide

Often, an assignment will require the use of "scholarly" or "peer-reviewed" sources. Most databases provide a function enabling to select only scholarly (or peer reviewed) journals. Look for the following characteristics:

PURPOSE:

• Communicate the results of research in the field of study covered by the journal.
• Reflect a systematic and thorough study of a single topic, often involving experiments or surveys.
• Occasionally publish review articles that summarize the current state of knowledge on a topic.

APPEARANCE:

• Lack the slick advertising, classified ads, coupons, etc..
• Articles are often printed one column to a page, as in books.
• Often graphs, tables, or charts referring to specific points in the articles.

AUTHORITY:

• Written by the person(s) who did the research being reported. 
• The first author listed is often the primary researcher who coordinated or supervised the work done by the other authors.
• Most highly‑regarded scholarly journals are typically those sponsored by professional associations, such as the American Psychological Association or the American Chemical Society.

VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY:

• Articles are evaluated by an editorial board and other experts (peer review) before they are accepted for publication.
• Ensure that the articles published are based on solid research that meets the normal standards of the field of study covered by the journal.
• Professors sometimes refer to peer-reviewed journals as refereed journals.

WRITING STYLE:

• Contain an advanced vocabulary, since the authors use the technical language or jargon of their field of study.
• Authors assume that the reader already possesses a basic understanding of the field of study.

REFERENCES: 

• Always indicate the sources of their information.
• References are usually listed at the end of an article, but they may appear in the form of footnotes, endnotes, or a bibliography.