Established, respected authors are cited frequently by other scholars, so pay attention to names that appear in many different sources. In this way, you may discover recent research conceptually descended from seminal studies. Disciplines that exhibit continuing and rapid development, such as the sciences, demand more current information. On the other hand, history or literary studies written many years ago may be important, even essential. If you find several editions of the same work, revisions and updates may reflect changes in knowledge.
University presses are likely to publish scholarly materials.
A reputable publisher does not guarantee quality, but it does show that the editorial staff regarded the work highly enough to invest in it. Articles in popular magazines are produced for a more general reference and lack this kind of documentation. A type of publication that falls between the scholarly journal and the popular magazine may be written for the educated lay person. Content Analysis Examine the source itself. Read the preface or introduction to determine the author's intentions.