Are government documents peer-reviewed or scholarly sources?

Answer

Federal and state government documents are credible, reliable sources of information. Some of these documents are primary sources of law, such as cases, statutes, and regulations. The text of these primary law sources may be used and cited in papers and assignments requiring peer-reviewed or scholarly articles.

Government agencies also produce articles, studies, and reports. Some federal government scientific studies are peer-reviewed; that is, the article, study, or report was reviewed by other experts in the same field to ensure it contained sound research practices. Other government articles, studies, and reports are scholarly sources, but not peer-reviewed. They are written using technical language, by and for other experts (check the author's credentials), contain detailed information, and include footnotes or a list of references. 

Other print or online government publications are written to educate consumers. These articles are usually short, written in simple language, and do not contain citations. While these articles provide credible background information, they should not be cited in papers or assignments requiring peer-reviewed or scholarly articles. Contact your instructor if you are unsure of whether a government publication should be used and cited in an assignment or paper. 

 

  • Last Updated May 14, 2019
  • Views 1615
  • Answered By Marsha Stacey

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