There are many different types of sources and they vary in content and credibility.
The Types of Sources listed below are in order of credibility
with Scholarly sources being the most credible and Everyday sources being the least credible.
For more information about sources types click here.
Traditional Scholarly Sources include academic books and journal articles written by scholars and researchers for other scholars and researchers. These sources have been formally published and approved by peer reviewers and/or editors.
Criteria to determine if a source is scholarly or academic:
Gray literature is scholarly or reliable information that is not formally published, such as conference proceedings, reports, and government documents. Though it is a reliable source because it is produced by experts, it is not considered as credible a source as traditional scholarly information since it typically is not checked by peer reviewers or editors.
Criteria to determine if a source is gray literature:
Trade journals are professional publications related to specific industries like business, architecture, or sports therapy. Information found in trade journals often is written by and for professionals familiar with trends and topics in the field.
While trade journals typically do not include research findings, they are useful sources to familiarize yourself with topics, technical language, and jargon related to the field.
Non-traditional research sources include academic or professional blogs, wikis, and digital humanities projects. While this information is created by experts, it often is meant for a wider audience and doesn't have the same level of credibility that comes with peer-reviewed scholarly information. These non-traditional research sources often are more collaboratory and encourage community and user participation.
Criteria to determine if a source is a non-traditional source:
Everyday sources could be news articles, social media posts, personal networks, Youtube videos, and infographics. This category is very broad and can include sources of communication you read, watch, listen to, and participate in. If can be digital content or conversations with people you know. Everyday sources typically are the least credible when compared to other categories.
Criteria to determine if a source is an everyday source: