The following characteristics list provides features of a Scholarly Article:
- Often have a formal appearance with tables, graphs, and diagrams
- Always have an abstract or summary paragraph above the text; may have sections decribing methodology
- Articles are written by an authority or expert in the field
- The language includes specialized terms and the jargon of the discipline
- Titles of scholarly journals often contain the word "Journal", "Review", "Bulletin", or "Research"
- Usually have a narrow or specific subject focus
- Contains original research, experimentation, or in-depth studies in the field
- Written for researchers, professors, or students in the field
- Often reviewed by the author's peers before publication (peer-reviewed or refereed)
- Advertising is minimal or none
[Excerpt from Mabee Library-Washburn University]
