Article databases index both popular and scholarly journals. Your professors may ask for scholarly or peer reviewed articles. To determine the type of article you found, follow these guidelines:
| CRITERIA | SCHOLARLY | POPULAR | PROFESSIONAL/TRADE |
| AUTHOR | Researcher, scholar, or specialist with expertise in the subject; author's credentials are provided | Journalist or staff writer; paid to write articles; may or may not be an expert in the subject | Usually practioners and professionals in the field (has subject expertise) |
| AUDIENCE | Experts, scholars, researchers, professors and students in the field | General public | Professionals in the field; may appeal to the general public |
| PURPOSE | In-depth report of original research/findings written by the researcher; communicate scholarship | Current events and general interest stories; may report about other's research; to entertain and inform | Report current news, trends, and products about a specific industry; share practical information for professionals in the field |
| TONE | Scholarly or technical jargon or terminology | Accessible and readily understood by a larger audience. | Professional jargon or terminology |
| REFERENCES | Sources are cited in a bibliography, references, endnotes, or footnotes | Rare | Few, if any, sources cited |
| REVIEW | Refereed or reviewed by scholars in the field | Editor | Editor |
| LENGTH | Usually 5+ pages; often includes an abstract, goals and objectives, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion | Usually short, a few pages | Usually short, a few pages |
| ADVERTISING | Little to none; occassional ads for professional organziations or publications | Numerous ads for a variety of products and services | Many ads for products, services, and organizations related to the profession or trade |
| FREQUENCY | Issues published quarterly, semi-annually, or annually | Issues published weekly or monthly | Issues published weekly or monthly |
| EXAMPLES |    |
   |
   |
| ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | A book review or editorial published in a scholarly journal does not fit the criteria for a scholarly article. |
