Scholarly or Popular?
Sometimes it's hard to tell whether you're looking at a scholarly or popular publication. Here are some tips for distinguishing between the two:
Scholarly
|
Popular
|
|
Content |
Original research presented with evidence, critical arguments, and other material. | Discussion includes personal opinions, and typically focuses on material for entertainment or leisure. |
|---|---|---|
Author |
Author's credentials are given, usually a scholar with subject expertise. | Author may or may not be named; often a professional writer; may or may not have subject expertise. |
Edited |
Editorial board is listed on cover or near the Table of Contents. It is noted that articles are refereed by peer reviewers. | No editors listed and no referee process described. |
Audience |
Scholars, researchers, students. | General public; the interested non-specialist. |
Language |
May use specialized terminology. |
Vocabulary in general usage; understandable to most readers. |
References (Endnotes or Footnotes) |
Required. All quotes and facts can be verified. | Rare. Little, if any, information about sources. |
Examples |
Harvard Design Magazine | House Beautiful |
