Since much research relies on articles, it is important to be aware of the distinctions made between articles that are considered scholarly or professional and those that are considered popular.

How these distinctions are defined again varies depending on the context of the research and the discipline, but usually reflect differences in purpose, audience, and physical appearance.

In general, scholarly or professional sources:

• Present primary accounts of original research or in-depth analysis of a topic
• Are written by researchers, scholars, or practitioners who are considered experts in their field
• Are intended for an audience of other researchers, scholars, or practitioners
• Use specialized language and terminology related to the discipline or profession
• Often include a bibliography of supporting or related research
• Undergo a rigorous blind peer review process through an editorial board
• May include research or profession-related graphics, such as charts, graphs, or tables