Library Guides: COMM160 College Communications 1 : Journal Articles

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Peer Review

What is peer-reviewed?

This term generally refers to a publication that contains only articles that have been reviewed (qualified), edited, and selected by recognized experts in the field of study covered by the journal. Since peer-reviewed journals are highly selective and require rigorous review, they are often considered the best in their field. This is why your professor may ask for peer-reviewed articles for your research assignments.

Before conducting a search, check and see if the online periodical database has an option to limit your search to scholarly or "peer reviewed" publications. For example, there may be a box you can check that says "peer reviewed".

While this is a good first step, you should be aware that online database providers (e.g., EBSCO, ProQuest) may have different definitions of "peer reviewed". If you are unsure whether your article is peer-reviewed, try clicking on the journal's home page for more information or consult a librarian!

Recommended Databases

Centennial Libraries has access to dozens of electronic resources including specialized databases, video streaming services, audio, online reference materials (encyclopedias and dictionaries) and more. Check out a few databases for COMM 160 below, or visit the eResources page to find additional resources.

CBCA Complete This link opens in a new window
Canadian magazines, trade publications and academic journals in all subject areas.
CPI.Q. This link opens in a new window
Canadian Periodicals Index Quarterly (CPI.Q) contains dozens of Canadian newspapers, magazines, and journals including The Globe & Mail, The Toronto Star, and many major Canadian dailies.
Includes Globe and Mail (selected) from 1985 to present.
Academic OneFile This link opens in a new window
Peer-reviewed, full-text articles from leading journals and reference sources. Multi-disciplinary subject coverage.
Includes full-text coverage of the New York Times back to 1995.
SocINDEX with Full Text This link opens in a new window
Sociology database of 890 full-text journals dating back to 1908, 850 full-text books, 16,800 conference papers, and abstracts for more than 1,300 core journals dating back to 1985.
Canadian Reference Centre This link opens in a new window
Full-text international and Canadian magazines, newspapers and newswires, and reference books. A useful source for biographical information.

Popular vs. Scholarly Sources

Your assignment may require you to find scholarly/academic sources, popular sources, or both. Check out the chart below to help you identify what type of resource you are looking at and whether it is the right fit for your assignment.

CRITERIA	SCHOLARLY / ACADEMIC SOURCES	POPULAR SOURCES (e.g. magazines, newspapers, etc...)
Advertising	May contain selective advertising	Contain extensive advertising
Authors & Audience	Written by and for academics or researchers	Written by staff or freelance writers for a broad audience
Format & Graphics	May include graphs and charts; Rarely contain glossy pages or pictures	Often slick and glossy; Contain photographs, illustrations, and/or drawings
Language	Uses discipline-specific language or jargon	Uses everyday language that is accessible to the average reader
Length	Lengthy articles with in-depth coverage of topics	Shorter articles: usually provide broad overview of topics
Publishers	Generally published by a professional organization	Published for profit
Purpose	To inform, report, or make available original research to the scholarly world	To entertain, inform, or persuade
Sources	Footnotes and/or bibliographies	Rarely cite any sources