This type of information is usually created by experts in a field. Like an English professor working for a college or university.

Much of a professor's job is to research and publish--to spread the news about new and interesting things in her field.

It's also important for these experts to publish in the best journals and with the best publishers. And, because so many people want to publish in these important publications, there is a system of choosing the best.

Many publishers have a panel of experts (peers or referees) in the field (for example English professors with focus on Shakespeare) who either volunteer or are paid to read manuscripts that are submitted to the publisher.

They determine which articles are best suited for a specific journal and publisher. They might question the following things:

• Who is the author? Is the author affiliated with a well respected university?

• Is this topic of interest to our scholarly community and subscribers?

• Is the article well written?

• Do we agree with the findings of the author's research? Do we need to?

• Has this author published with us before?

If the author and article pass this test of very critical reviewers, the article may be published.

Do you think this would be information that a typical high school student would find useful?

Maybe.

Reasons it could be useful are:

• We know it's passed that difficult test so it must be high quality and reliable.
• It's probably the most current research in the field
• It's not just somebody's hobby or personal interest--their career may depend on the quality

Reasons it might not be useful are:

• Do you have the knowledge to understand the information?
• Do you have the vocabulary to understand the information?
• Is it current thought or outdated? Time changes common beliefs about many things!