Use the flowchart below to determine if your source is scholarly.
Is My Source Scholarly? (Accessible View)
Step 1: Source
The article is most likely scholarly if:
- You found the article in a library database or Google Scholar
- The journal the article appears in is peer-reviewed
Move to Step 2: Authors
Step 2: Authors
The source is most likely scholarly if:
- The authors’ credentials are provided
- The authors are affiliated with a university or other research institute
Move to Step 3: Content
Step 3: Content
The article is most likely scholarly if:
- The source is longer than 10 pages
- Has a works cited or bibliography
- It does not attempt to persuade or bias the reader
- It attempts to persuade or bias the reader, but treats the topic objectively, the information is well-supported, and it includes a works cited or bibliography
If the article meets the criteria in Steps 1-3 it is most likely scholarly.
