When conducting research, you need to know the different types of resources available and when to use them.
Resources can generally be divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary sources.
Let’s break these down to help you choose the right resource for your needs.
Knowing the difference between popular, trade, and scholarly sources can help you find the right information for your research. Each type of source is made for a specific audience and purpose.
Here’s an easy guide to help you decide which one to use:
| Feature |  Popular Sources |
 Trade Sources |
 Scholarly Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audience | General public | Industry professionals and practitioners | Academics, researchers, students |
| Purpose | Inform, entertain, or persuade | Provide industry news, trends, and advice | Share research findings or advance knowledge |
| Author | Journalists, bloggers, or named authors | Industry professionals or journalists | Experts in the field, often with credentials |
| Content | General information, often opinion-based | Practical, job-focused, may include case studies | In-depth research, includes references |
| Structure | Mostly informal | Semi-formal, often uses technical language | Formal, peer-reviewed |
| Examples | Magazines, newspapers, blogs | Trade magazines, industry reports | Academic journals, conference papers |
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