* Authorship: Written by scholars, researchers, or experts with relevant credentials.
* Peer Review: Subjected to scrutiny by other experts in the field before publication to ensure quality, validity, and originality.
* Methodology: Employs a systematic and rigorous approach to research, often including clearly defined methods and data analysis.
* Evidence-Based: Relies on verifiable evidence, data, and citations to support claims and arguments.
* Objectivity: Aims for objectivity and avoids bias, though complete objectivity is an ideal rather than always a reality.
* Publication Venue: Usually published in academic journals, books from reputable academic publishers, or university presses. These venues have established standards and editorial processes.
* Citations: Includes a comprehensive bibliography or reference list, allowing readers to trace the sources used.
Examples include peer-reviewed journal articles, scholarly books, conference proceedings, and dissertations. Conversely, websites, blogs, encyclopedias (unless specifically authored by experts in the field), and popular magazines are generally *not* considered academic sources. While they may contain useful information, they typically lack the rigorous vetting and methodological approach of academic sources.