COM 3102: Communication for Executives - Prof. Mekrami

What are Scholarly and Peer-Reviewed Articles?

Peabody Library at Vanderbilt University provides a brief overview on what makes a scholarly periodical different from a popular periodical. Created by Eli Moody, 2007.

Anatomy of a Research Article

Abstract.  A brief summary of the article usually written by the author. The author describes the research, explains its scope and purpose, and states the results found.

Introduction. The introduction reveals the author’s argument and states the research question or thesis. It explains why the research is important or unique.

Literature Review.  The literature review is a summary of the previous research on the topic. The author discusses and synthesizes the research that was the basis of the current research. Identifies the most relevant research on the topic.

Methodology. Discusses how the author designed the study and the tools used (interviews, experiment, observation, etc.).  Offers details about the methods of data collection and analysis.

Results. The author details the findings from the research. Provides all the information necessary to replicate the research. Data is presented in charts, graphs and statistical tables. The author offers analysis of the data.

Discussion and Conclusion. The author discusses the significance of the research, tells us what the research means, and why it is important. Often they identify gaps and recommend areas where additional research is needed.

Bibliography. The list of references includes all of the sources cited in the article.

 

The Peer Review Process

This image is from Peer Review: The Nuts and Bolts published by Sense About Science, 2012.