What Are Scholarly Sources & How To Identify Them?

Declan Gessel

May 17, 2024

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Scholarly sources are essential for any research. They establish facts, provide context and insight, and offer information that can't be found elsewhere. The CRAAP test, an acronym devised by academic librarians, evaluates the credibility of any source.

By considering the Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose, readers can determine whether a source qualifies as scholarly. Applying this test ensures that the information is reliable and trustworthy. With the abundance of sources available today, it's more critical than ever to discern what's credible and what's not.

What Are Scholarly Sources?

Scholarly sources are intended for a specific audience—scholars and researchers in the field. This audience is familiar with the technical language and background knowledge needed to understand the content. This focus on in-depth analysis and contributions makes scholarly sources different from general-interest articles.

Contribution To Knowledge

Scholarly sources aim to advance knowledge in their field. They provide new information, original research findings, unique interpretations of data, and insightful critiques of current theories. Scholarly sources don’t simply repeat commonly known information; they offer fresh perspectives and contribute to ongoing discussions in their discipline.

Focus On Objectivity

Authors of scholarly sources may have personal viewpoints, but they should present them with evidence and balanced discussions of existing research. Objectivity in scholarly sources helps readers form their own conclusions based on the information presented.

The Importance of Scholarly Sources

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Scholarly sources are like professional guides who point you to the most reliable information. Unlike websites you find online, scholarly sources go through a rigorous process. They're written by professionals who have studied the topic for years, and their work is often double-checked by other professionals (peer review). This means you can be sure the information is accurate and unbiased.

Deep Dives

Scholarly sources don't just give you basic facts. They take you deeper into the topic, with original research, new ideas, and in-depth analysis. This gives you a much richer understanding of what you're studying.

Strong Research Foundation

Think of your project like a building. Scholarly sources are the solid bricks you need for a strong foundation. By using these credible sources, you support your arguments and show you've done your research. This makes your work more convincing and shows you can handle complex subjects.

Connecting the Dots

Scholarly sources are like chapters in a bigger story. They not only present new information, but they also connect to previous research. This lets you see how your work fits into the bigger picture of your field and even contribute your piece to the puzzle.

In short, scholarly sources are essential for strong research and writing. They give you reliable information to explore complex topics, build solid arguments, and contribute to your field.

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How To Find Scholarly Sources

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Written by the top authors: Look for authors with titles like Dr. or Professor, indicating they have advanced degrees in their field. Their affiliation with universities, research institutions, or reputable organizations adds weight to their professionalism.

Content with Depth

These sources go beyond basic facts. They focus on original research findings, new theories, in-depth analysis, or insightful perspectives that push the boundaries of knowledge in their field.

Proof of Their Work

Scholarly sources are well-supported. They include citations and references to other credible sources, allowing you to trace the information back to its origin.

Formal Language, Specific to the Field

The writing style is typically formal and may use technical terms specific to the discipline. This ensures precise communication of complex ideas.

Published by Credible Sources

Look for publications like peer-reviewed journals. In these, other professionals anonymously evaluate the research for accuracy and significance before publication. Additionally, books from academic presses (often affiliated with universities) and reports from established research institutes are good signs you're dealing with a scholarly source.

What Are Some Examples Of Scholarly Sources?

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Identifying scholarly sources is crucial for conducting strong research in business. We have compiled some real-world examples to help you recognize them easily.

Peer-reviewed Journals

Journal of Marketing

This publication focuses on consumer behavior, marketing strategies, and marketing effectiveness research.

Strategic Management Journal

This journal publishes research on strategic decision-making, organizational design, and competitive advantage.

Books Published by Academic Presses

"Competing on Analytics" by Thomas H. Davenport (Harvard Business Press)

Explores the use of data analytics for competitive advantage in business.

"Lean Startup" by Eric Ries (Crown Business)

Introduces the lean startup methodology for developing and validating business ideas.

Reports from Reputable Research Institutes

McKinsey Global Institute

Publishes reports on global economic trends, industry analysis, and business productivity.

Harvard Business Review Analytic Services

Provides research reports on various business topics like leadership, marketing, and organizational behavior.

Proper Citation of Scholarly Sources

It's essential to cite scholarly sources properly when using them in your research or writing. This acknowledges the original work and allows readers to locate the source for further exploration.

A common citation style in business is the American Psychological Association (APA) style. Here's an example of an APA citation for the "Competing on Analytics" book:

Davenport, T. H. (2016). Competing on analytics: The new science of winning. Harvard Business Press.

Additional Resources for Finding Scholarly Sources in Business

Subject-Specific Databases

Many libraries offer access to online databases that compile scholarly articles, journals, and other academic resources.

Librarian Assistance

Librarians are professionals in information retrieval and can assist you in finding relevant scholarly sources for your specific needs.

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5 Differences Between Scholarly Sources And Popular Sources

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1. Scholarly Sources Focus on Advancing Knowledge within Specific Business Disciplines Popular Sources Aim to Inform or Entertain

Scholarly sources focus on contributing to the existing knowledge within a specific business discipline. They present original research findings, in-depth analyses, and critical evaluations of existing theories. The primary aim is to advance the understanding of a particular study area, making scholarly sources essential resources for researchers and scholars.

Conversely, popular sources cater to a broader audience and are designed to inform or entertain. They may present general business news, trends, or practical advice, focusing on current events, case studies, or simplified explanations of complex concepts. The primary goal of popular sources is to engage a wider audience and make information easily accessible to the general public.

2. Scholarly Sources Are Authored by Individuals with Advanced Degrees Popular Sources May Include Journalists, Business Professionals, or Bloggers

Scholarly sources are typically authored by individuals with advanced degrees, such as Master's or Ph. D.s, in business or related fields. These authors may have affiliations with universities, research institutions, or reputable organizations, which lends credibility to their work. As professionals in their field, authors of scholarly sources bring professionalized and specialized knowledge to their research.

On the other hand, popular sources may include various types of authors, such as journalists, business professionals, or bloggers. While these authors may have professionalized in business, their credentials may not always be explicitly displayed. The background of popular source authors may vary widely, and they may not possess the same level of specialization as authors of scholarly sources.

3. Scholarly Sources Present Well-Supported Arguments and Analyses Popular Sources Often Rely on Anecdotal Evidence or Personal Opinions

Scholarly sources present well-supported arguments and analyses, basing their findings on a robust foundation of research and data. They cite references to previous studies, data sources, and methodologies, providing readers with a clear understanding of the research process. The writing style of scholarly sources is formal and technical, utilizing specialized terms specific to the field of study.

In contrast, popular sources often rely on anecdotal evidence, personal opinions, or general observations to support their content. These sources may lack the depth of analysis in scholarly works and may not always provide citations or references to support their claims. The writing style of popular sources tends to be more informal and conversational, making the information easily digestible for a broader audience.

4. Scholarly Sources Undergo Rigorous Peer-Review Processes Popular Sources Do Not Typically Undergo Peer Review

Scholarly sources undergo a rigorous peer-review process, wherein professionals anonymously evaluate the research for accuracy, methodology, and overall contribution to the discipline. This peer-review process ensures that scholarly sources adhere to high-quality standards and uphold credibility. These sources are usually published in academic journals, edited books, or research reports from reputable institutions.

Conversely, popular sources do not typically undergo peer review. These sources are published in various media outlets, including news articles, blogs, magazines, or social media platforms, without the same level of scrutiny as scholarly sources. As a result, the information presented in popular sources may vary widely in quality and accuracy.

5. Evaluating the Credibility of Scholarly Sources with a Focus on Rigorous Research Methods and Reliable Information

By considering the focus, authorship, content, review process, and publication outlet of a source, you can develop a critical eye for evaluating its credibility. Scholarly sources provide a strong foundation for business research due to their rigorous research methods, in-depth analysis, and reliable information. When conducting business research, relying on scholarly sources can enhance the quality and credibility of your work, leading to more robust findings and conclusions.

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