Determine if your article is from a ...

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Determine if your article is from a ...
or
Scholarly
Popular source
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Scholarly vs. Popular
When obtaining articles, especially from
electronic databases, it is not always apparent
if your article is from a scholarly or popular
publication. The following provides descriptions
of scholarly and popular sources. Use the
checklists at the end to determine what type of
publication your article is from.
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Scholarly vs. Popular
The ability to distinguish between popular and
scholarly articles is an important skill and
will help you determine what types of sources
you need to focus on when doing research.
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Scholarly Articles
Often undergo a peer-reviewed process before
being published
Written by experts or scholars in the field
Text-oriented, few photographs or illustrations
Articles intended for experts, students and
scholars
Articles include footnotes or endnotes and a
bibliography
Articles are generally longer-usually more than 5
pages
Often have have journal review or
quarterly as part of title
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PopularArticles
Articles written by reporters, not experts in the
field
Glossy, with many photographs and other graphics
Articles intended to entertain a general audience
Articles are generally short-1-5 pages
Articles seldom document the research involved
Catchy familiar titles usually available at
newsstands or bookstores
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Scholarly vs. Popular

• Scholarly Articles
• Undergo a peer reviewed process prior to
  publication
• Written by experts or scholars in field
• Text- oriented, few photos or illustrations
• Articles intended for experts, students and
  scholars
• Generally long, more than 5 pages
• Articles have many footnotes/ bibliography
• Publications often have journal review or
  quarterly in title

• Popular Articles
• Articles written by reporters, not experts
• Glossy, with many pictures and graphics
• Intended to entertain a general audience
• Articles are usually short, 1-5 pages
• Seldom document research
• Catchy familiar titles usually available at
  bookstores and newsstands