How do I identify scholarly articles?

What do you mean not all the articles in ERIC are scholarly?

Not all citations in ERIC are scholarly research articles

ERIC contains scholarly articles as well as, professional development resources, technical reports, policy papers, and lots of other education-related materials

You will need to distinguish between scholarly work and other types of publications

Scholarly Journals Purpose/intent

Report research with an intent to advance knowledge

Scope In depth analysis of a research question

Structure/format Structured– abstract, method, findings, etc.

Article arguments are supported by: Research built on prior research Extensive bibliography

Trade Publication Purpose/intent

Professional techniques and methods with an intent to enhance professional development

Scope Practical information within the profession

Structure/format More of a narrative structure

Article arguments are supported by: Professional knowledge and limited research Small bibliographies

Structured format always reviews related literature, clearly states research methods and presents findings.

Extensive bibliography

Recognizing scholarly articles

Recognizing scholarly articles

Often (but not always) notes the

organization authors are affiliated with

contains an abstract

Search tips Check if the Refine search screen has

options for limiting to scholarly journals Read the article description page for clues

about the type of publication and nature of the article

If still in doubt search for information about the publication. Most publishers list the scope and intended audience for their journals

Keep in mind - Sometimes it is a judgment call

Refine search screen: ERICChoose peer reviewed

Choose Reports-Research

Article description page

Abstract usually indicates if it is a research article or just a review of other research

Can trade publications be used in a research paper?

Trade publications are not typically used in research papers

Excellent for background information Accessible language can provide entry

into a topic. References in bibliography may lead you

to academic sources If you do use information, please justify its

inclusion i.e. why this source and not an academic one?