What distinguishes scholarly sources from popular sources in APA citation?

Scholarly sources are distinguished from popular sources primarily by their peer-reviewed nature and their basis in research. Peer review is a process where experts in a particular field evaluate a study or article for its validity, reliability, and contribution to the field before it is published. This rigorous evaluation ensures that scholarly sources adhere to the highest academic standards, often providing original research, in-depth analysis, and a comprehensive review of existing literature.

Additionally, scholarly works typically include references, extensive citations, and are published in academic journals or by academic publishers, which further demonstrates their research-based foundation. These characteristics contribute significantly to the credibility and authority of scholarly sources, making them essential for academic writing and research.

In contrast, popular sources, which can include magazines, newspapers, and websites, typically do not undergo such thorough vetting and are aimed at a general audience, often prioritizing engaging, easily digestible content over academic rigor. Thus, option A accurately captures the defining traits that set scholarly sources apart from popular ones in the context of APA citation.