Academic vs Non-Academic Sources

Definition: Academic sources are written by experts for an academic audience. They usually go through a process called peer review, where other subject experts check the work for accuracy and quality before it’s published.

Academic sources are valued because they:

• Are written by subject specialists (e.g. researchers, academics, professionals)

• Are usually peer-reviewed or published by academic presses

• Include evidence and citations

• Aim to be objective and well-reasoned

Examples of academic sources include:

• Peer-reviewed journal articles

• Academic books or book chapters

• Conference papers

• Dissertations or theses

• Some government or research reports

Tip: Not everything in a journal is an academic article — watch out for editorials, book reviews, news items, or correspondence. These aren’t peer-reviewed research articles.

Recent topics: Academic sources often take months or even years to appear after an event. For very current topics, you might start with news sources or professional publications, then look for academic commentary as it becomes available.

Note: AI-generated content (such as from ChatGPT or Copilot) is not considered an academic source, even if it discusses academic topics.

Warning: Not all journals that call themselves "academic" meet proper quality standards. Some predatory journals may charge fees without offering peer review or editorial oversight. If you're unsure, ask us at library@abertay.ac.uk for advice.

Yes — even academic sources need to be evaluated. Peer review helps ensure quality, but no source is perfect. Developing your own judgment is part of becoming a critical thinker.

Ask yourself:

• Who wrote it?

• When was it published?

• What was its purpose?

• Is it relevant and trustworthy for my assignment?

Context matters: A blog post may be valuable in one situation (e.g. for real-world context) but inappropriate in another (e.g. for a literature review).

Different disciplines at Abertay have different expectations for appropriate sources:

Empirical research fields (e.g. Psychology, Biosciences, Sport Science, Forensic Science)
Peer-reviewed journal articles and systematic reviews are typically most valued, along with official research reports.

Applied and professional fields (e.g. Computing, Cybersecurity, Business, Accounting, Engineering)
Combine academic research with industry standards, technical documentation, professional reports, and white papers from reputable organisations.

Creative practice and design (e.g. Game Design, Computer Arts)
Academic research on theory and practice, alongside industry analysis, design case studies, and creative works as primary sources.

Legal studies
Statutes, case law, legal commentaries, and peer-reviewed legal journals follow different authority structures than other academic fields.

Interdisciplinary fields (e.g. Criminology, Environmental Science, Mental Health)
May draw from multiple source types depending on your specific research question — ask your tutor for guidance.

Not sure what’s expected? Check your assignment brief or ask your tutor for subject-specific guidance.

Academic and popular sources serve different purposes — and understanding how they differ helps you make better choices when building your assignments. This quick comparison shows how scholarly and non-scholarly materials vary in tone, authority, and structure.

Some sources (like government reports or think tank publications) fall between academic and popular sources — these are sometimes called grey literature.

Many sources sit somewhere between these categories — context and purpose matter more than rigid classification.

No or few referencesIncludes references and citationsFreely available onlineOften behind paywalls (use LibrarySearch)Lower authority (opinions, reactions)High authority (peer-reviewed research)

Note: Some sources (like government reports or think tank publications) fall between academic and popular sources — these are sometimes called grey literature.

Many sources fall somewhere between these categories — context and purpose matter more than rigid classification.

Definition: Non-academic sources are written for the general public, not for an academic audience. They may not be peer-reviewed or written by experts — but they can still be useful.

Use non-academic sources for:

• Background information

• Real-world examples

• Current opinions or events

Examples of non-academic sources include:

• News articles or opinion pieces

• Blogs, websites, or social media

• Popular books and trade magazines

• Company websites or reports

Use them critically: These sources may include bias, persuasive language, or advertising. Make sure you evaluate their reliability before using them in academic work.

GenAI tools like ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot can be helpful for:

• Brainstorming ideas

• Clarifying difficult concepts

• Exploring initial directions

However, they are not academic sources. These tools may:

• Present plausible but incorrect information

• Include fabricated references

• Reflect biases or gaps in knowledge

Use with caution: Never cite AI-generated content as a source. See our Critically Evaluating Generative AI guide for more detail.