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Evaluating Specific Resources

Academic Publications

Academic Publications: 

These include scholarly and peer reviewed publications. Often they can be primary research studies. 

Academic Publication Evaluation Points

Click this link and take a few minutes to browse this PG Library journal article. Pay attention to the citation information, including Author, Source, and Abstract.

Things to consider:

  • Author/AuthorityArticles written by several researchers/scholars in the field who report results of original (primary) research. Authors' affiliations (academic institutions or organizations) are provided.
  • Appearance/Content: Often contains graphs and charts. Mostly comprised of text, typically primary research. Uses scholarly/technical language with vocabulary specific to the particular profession or field. Contains little, if any, advertising. 
  • Audience: Written for academics and professionals. 
  • Citations: Articles generally include footnotes and bibliography.
  • Publisher: Generally academic institutions or professional organizations (E.g. The American Medical Association).

After browsing this item, can we trust that it passes the criteria as a credible academic publication? If answering yes, then chances are it is a source of credible information. If answering no, then you may want to consider an alternate source. 

Journal citation