Video Explaining the Difference Between Scholarly and Popular Articles
From the Betty Sue Jessup Library, Piedmont Virginia Community College
What are scholarly articles?
Characteristics of a Scholarly Journal Article
- Author is an expert in the field. The author's credentials in the field are established, and they are likely affiliated with a scholarly institution and hold an appropriate degree in their field.
- There is a lengthy bibliography at the end of the article.
- Based on original research, or new applications of others' research.
- Written for a scholarly audience in that field of study (difficult for the general public to read)
Scholarly Article Example
"Factors explaining alien plant invasion success in a tropical ecosystem"
What are popular articles?
Characteristics of a Popular Article
- Usually appear in magazines, newspapers or non-scholarly journals (with lots of glossy, shiny pictures, and advertisements).
- Typically written by journalists (not by experts in the field).
- Written for a popular audience, easy to read and understand.
- Might summarize or present research findings for the public, but the author is not doing original research in a lab.
- Typically do not include a bibliography.