Q. What are the differences between a popular and scholarly article?

Scholarly and Academic Journals

Characteristics of scholarly journals:

· Most are indexed in subject-specific databases or print indexes
· Many are published or sponsored by a scholarly society, professional association, or university department
· Most have list of reviewers (editorial board) at the front of the journal (peer-reviewed)
· Most have little or no advertising
· Articles are written in the language of the discipline, and the author assumes the reader has some background knowledge of the discipline

Examples: Journal of Reading, Science, Studies in Short Fiction

Characteristics of a scholarly article:

· The author's credentials are stated
· The title reflects the contents of the article
· An abstract (summary) precedes the article
· Content is based on original research or the research of authorities in the field, not personal opinion
· The sources of information used by the author are cited in endnotes, footnotes, or bibliographies

In addition, a scientific article usually includes the following:

· Supporting diagrams or illustrations
· Introduction or literature review
· Theory or background information
· Statement of subjects discussed
· Methods used
· Results of the study
· Discussion

News and General Interest Magazines

· Usually published by commercial enterprises or individuals, occasionally by professional organizations
· Purpose is to provide information to a broad audience of concerned citizens, not just to scholars
· Language is geared to any educated audience; a specialized vocabulary is not necessary
· Articles are written by a member of the editorial staff, a scholar, or a freelance writer
· Authors sometime cite sources, but usually do not
· Most have an attractive appearance with illustrations and photographs
· Usually have some advertisements
· Often have a political slant

Examples: National Geographic, Time, Smithsonian, U. S. News & World Report, Newsweek

Popular Magazines

· Articles are seldom signed
· Sources are rarely cited - information can be second or third hand, original source may not even be known
· Articles are usually short with little depth
· Often published on slick paper, are attractive with a lot of pictures and graphics, and are full of advertisements
· Published to entertain the reader, sell products, and/or promote a viewpoint

Examples: Ebony, Glamour, Parent's, Reader's Digest, Sports Illustrated, Ladies' Home Journal, McCall's