Understanding Scholarly Articles and How to Cite Them in MLA

 Introduction

If you’ve ever sat down to write a research paper and thought, “Where do I even start?”, you’re not alone. Most students and early researchers reach that point at least once. The truth is, great academic writing begins with great sources — and that’s where scholarly articles come in.

Scholarly articles are research papers written by experts for experts. They are the backbone of credible academic work — the kind of sources that professors, educators, and journals trust. These articles go beyond opinions; they present facts, evidence, and discoveries.

But here’s the catch: using scholarly articles isn’t just about reading them — it’s about understanding them and citing them correctly. And one of the most common citation styles you’ll encounter is the MLA format.

So, let’s unpack this together — what scholarly articles really are, how to spot them, and how to cite them in MLA like a pro.

What Is a Scholarly Article?

Imagine you’re researching the effects of social media on mental health. You might find a BuzzFeed article titled “How Instagram Affects Your Mood” and a journal article in The Journal of Psychology titled “A Quantitative Analysis of Social Media Use and Anxiety in Adolescents.”

Both talk about the same topic — but they’re worlds apart.

A scholarly article is written by researchers or professionals in a particular field. It’s backed by studies, data, and references to previous research. The goal isn’t to entertain; it’s to educate, inform, and expand knowledge.

On the other hand, blogs, news articles, and magazine pieces are written for general audiences. They’re easier to read but often lack in-depth research or peer review.

In short:

  • Scholarly articles = factual, research-based, peer-reviewed, and academic.

  • Regular articles = opinion-driven, simplified, and unverified.

When you’re writing a research paper or thesis, using scholarly sources is like building on solid rock instead of sand — they give your arguments strength and credibility.

Key Features of Scholarly Articles

Scholarly articles share a few defining traits that make them easy to recognize. Here’s what you’ll typically find inside:

  1. Author Credibility:
    The author is an expert — often a professor, researcher, or PhD holder — and their credentials are listed right under their name.

  2. Abstract:
    A short summary at the start, outlining what the paper is about, what methods were used, and what was discovered.

  3. Introduction and Research Question:
    This section sets the stage — why the topic matters and what question the research aims to answer.

  4. Methodology:
    Here’s where the “how” happens — explaining the experiments, surveys, or analyses conducted.

  5. Results and Discussion:
    This part shows what the researchers found and what those results mean.

  6. References or Bibliography:
    A list of other scholarly works cited in the article. This lets you trace ideas back to their original sources.

  7. Peer Review:
    Think of this as the “quality control” of the academic world. Before publication, the article is reviewed by other experts to ensure accuracy and integrity.

Every section of a scholarly article serves a purpose — together, they tell a complete story of inquiry, evidence, and interpretation.

How to Identify Scholarly Articles

Not everything that looks serious online is scholarly. To make sure you’re using credible sources, here’s a quick checklist to guide you:

✅ Author Credentials: Does the author have academic degrees or institutional affiliations (like a university)?

✅ Journal Type: Is it published in a peer-reviewed or academic journal? (Tip: Databases like Google Scholar, JSTOR, and PubMed are your best friends.)

✅ Structure: Look for an abstract, methodology, results, and references — if it’s missing these, it’s likely not scholarly.

✅ Language and Tone: Scholarly articles use precise, formal language, not casual or emotional phrasing.

✅ References: Reliable articles always cite other works — a sign of research depth.

If an article checks all these boxes, congratulations — you’ve found a scholarly gem. Using such sources will elevate your research from average to authoritative.

MLA Citation Guide

Now, let’s talk about MLA citation, one of the most common styles used in humanities and social sciences.

MLA (Modern Language Association) format helps maintain clarity and consistency in academic writing. It has two parts: in-text citations and a Works Cited list.

1. In-Text Citations

In-text citations briefly point to the source right in your writing.

Format: (Author’s Last Name Page Number)

Examples:

  • One author: (Smith 45)

  • Two authors: (Johnson and Lee 102)

  • Three or more authors: (Brown et al.)

If there’s no page number, just use the author’s name.

💡 Tip: Insert citations just before the period at the end of a sentence.

2. Works Cited Entries

This list appears at the end of your paper and includes full details for every source cited.

Basic format:
Author Last Name, First Name. “Title of the Article.” Journal Name, vol. number, no. number, Year, pages. DOI or URL.

Example:
Gahan, Courtney. “How to Cite a Journal Article in MLA | Format & Examples.” Scribbr, vol. 3, no. 2, 2019, https://www.scribbr.com/mla/journal-citation/.

✏️ Don’t forget: Every in-text citation must match an entry in your Works Cited list.

Do’s and Don’ts:
✅ Do use italics for journal titles.
✅ Do include DOI or URL if available.
❌ Don’t list URLs without “https://”.
❌ Don’t mix citation styles (stick to MLA consistently).

If you’ve ever spent late nights wrestling with citation formats, remember — MLA isn’t about perfection; it’s about giving credit where it’s due.

Why Scholarly Articles Matter

So why does all this matter? Why not just use that easy Wikipedia entry or a trending blog?

Because scholarly articles are the pillars of credible academic research.

They provide:

  • Credible Information: Reviewed by experts before publication.

  • Support for Arguments: Evidence you can rely on to back your claims.

  • Protection from Misinformation: You avoid using unverified or biased data.

  • Updated Knowledge: They reflect the latest discoveries and discussions in a field.

  • Ethical Research Habits: Citing properly shows integrity and respect for other scholars’ work.

When you base your writing on scholarly research, you’re not just filling pages — you’re contributing to the ongoing conversation of knowledge.

Conclusion

At its core, understanding scholarly articles is about more than following academic rules — it’s about developing intellectual honesty and curiosity.

When you choose scholarly sources, you build on verified knowledge. When you cite them correctly using MLA format, you give credit where it’s due and make your own research transparent and trustworthy.

Let’s recap what we’ve learned:

  • Definition: Scholarly articles are expert-written, research-based papers published in academic journals.

  • Features: Abstracts, methodology, results, references, and peer review make them credible.

  • Identification: Look for author credentials, structure, and references.

  • MLA Citation: Use in-text citations and a Works Cited page to credit sources properly.

  • Importance: They strengthen your work, ensure accuracy, and promote academic integrity.

Every great paper begins with great sources — and learning how to find and cite them is a skill that will serve you for life.

FAQs

1. What makes an article scholarly?
It’s written by experts, peer-reviewed, and supported by evidence, data, and references.

2. Can I use magazine articles in my research?
Most magazines aren’t scholarly. They may inform or entertain, but they don’t meet academic standards.

3. How do I cite a scholarly article in MLA format?
List the author, article title, journal name (italicized), volume, issue, year, pages, and DOI or URL.

4. Where can I find scholarly articles?
Try academic databases like Google Scholar, JSTOR, PubMed, or your university’s library.

5. Why are citations important?
Citations build credibility, prevent plagiarism, and help readers trace your sources.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

GlobalX Publications: Empowering the Voices That Shape Academia and Industry

 Many people spend years doing research, writing papers, or working in their field. But often, their work sits in files or folders and never reaches the people who need it. Publishing is not just about getting your name in print. It’s about sharing knowledge, sparking ideas, and helping others learn from your experience. That’s where GlobalX Publications comes in. We give scholars, professionals, and experts a place to publish their work in a clear, simple, and powerful way. What Is GlobalX Publications? GlobalX Publications is a publishing platform built for people who care about serious work. We work with writers who have something meaningful to say—whether it’s based on research, teaching, or real-world experience. Our goal is to help this work reach the right people. We publish both online and in print, and every article goes through a careful review process. This helps us keep the writing clear, honest, and useful for readers. What Makes Us Different? We don’t just post artic...
Read more

5 Emerging Academic Publishing Platforms You Should Know

  When we think of academic publishing, names like Elsevier or Springer often come to mind. But beyond the giants, there are highly impactful, innovative publishing platforms that are making significant contributions to global scholarship. Whether you're a researcher, a doctoral candidate, or an academic enthusiast, here are five academic publications you might not have heard of—but should definitely know. 1.  GlobalX Publications GlobalX Publications  is a rising star in academic publishing. Tailored for doctorate holders, PhDs, and professionals, it offers a credible platform for global academic recognition. What sets  GlobalX  apart is its commitment to fast, ethical peer review timelines, accreditation-aligned publishing, and international visibility. It not only promotes scholarly work but also helps build the personal brand of the author through post-publication support. For U.S.-based academics,  GlobalX  is especially helpful in bridging the ga...
Read more

Is GlobalX Publications Scam ?

Image
Is GlobalX Publications Fake? Here’s the Truth In the digital era, it’s not unusual for legitimate organizations to face skepticism or even be questioned as “fake.” When it comes to GlobalX Publications, some people may ask: Is globalx real ? Is it trustworthy? The short answer: GlobalX Publications is 100% authentic. Why Do People Raise Such Questions? In today’s world, where scams and unreliable publishers unfortunately exist, it’s natural for academics, researchers, and students to be cautious. Many so-called “predatory publishers” charge hefty fees without providing genuine editorial services or recognition. Because of this, any new or innovative publishing brand may face questions about legitimacy. What Makes GlobalX Publications Authentic? ✓ Accreditations and Partnerships – GlobalX Publications partners with reputed academic associations and international organizations, ensuring credibility and recognition. ✓ Focus on Academic Excellence – The platform supports PhD grad...
Read more