Scholarly Journals
Characteristics
Scholarly journals report on original research conducted by scholars and researchers, as well as academic discussion among professionals within disciplines. They are often referred to as scientific or academic journals. Examples of scholarly (also called refereed or peer reviewed) journals include Memory & Cognition, Journal of Abnormal Psychology and Aquaculture.
Peer Review
Scholarly journals use an editorial process called “peer review” to ensure the quality of articles that are published. Panels of experts “blindly” review submissions to the journal, without knowing the name or affiliation of the author, so as to prevent introduction of any bias. These panels of “referees” also determine which articles are published. Peer reviewed journals are the most rigorous and prestigious type of periodical.
Advantages
- In-depth articles cover specific issues or research questions
- Use tables and graphs to support information
- Peer reviewed, so information is reliable and accurate
- Sources carefully documented and bibliographies point to further information
- Funded through subscription, not advertising
Disadvantages
- Background information often is not available
- Articles may only cover one aspect of an issue or topic
- Familiarity with specialized vocabulary and concepts is assumed. Difficult for the average person to understand.
Finding Scholarly Journals
Scholarly journal articles can be found by searching in online subscription databases, or print indexes, available through the UF Libraries. General databases like Academic Search Premier contain some scholarly articles. If you are doing research focused in a certain area, then you may have to search a subject specific database (i.e. Historical Abstracts or Entomology Abstracts). If you need help finding a scholarly journal article, or deciding if a journal is “peer reviewed”, contact a reference librarian.
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