Scholarly vs Non Scholarly Sources

Summary

This script emphasizes the critical role of sources in research, distinguishing between scholarly and non-scholarly types. Scholarly sources, authored by experts and peer-reviewed, offer credibility and detail, contributing to academic fields. Non-scholarly sources, aimed at the general public, provide accessible information but lack the rigorous review process. Understanding these differences is key to selecting appropriate research materials.

Takeaways

• 🌳 Sources are crucial for research as they provide credibility, verifiability, and a solid foundation.
• 📚 Scholarly sources are written by experts, often peer-reviewed, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
• 📰 Non-scholarly sources, like newspapers and websites, can be written by anyone and may lack rigorous review.
• 🧭 Understanding source types is essential for navigating research, akin to having a map for exploration.
• 🎓 Scholarly sources contribute to the body of knowledge in a field, written by professionals for other experts or students.
• 🔍 Scholarly works are formal, technical, and published by reputable academic presses with detailed analysis and references.
• 👥 Non-scholarly sources aim to inform, entertain, or persuade a general audience with a casual and accessible style.
• 📘 Non-scholarly sources may not cite sources, indicating less scrutiny and peer review compared to scholarly ones.
• 🏛 The purpose, authors, style, publishers, audience, and content depth differ significantly between scholarly and non-scholarly sources.
• 🔑 Knowing the differences helps in selecting appropriate sources for specific research needs.

Q & A

Why are sources considered important in research?

Sources are crucial in research because they provide credibility, verifiability, and a solid foundation, acting as the roots that anchor the research in established knowledge.

What are the two main types of sources in research?

The two main types of sources in research are scholarly and non-scholarly sources, each with their own unique characteristics and uses.

How do scholarly sources contribute to research?

Scholarly sources contribute to research by presenting original research or in-depth analysis, ensuring high accuracy and reliability through peer review and expert authorship.

What is the typical style and language used in scholarly sources?

Scholarly sources use a formal and technical style, often employing industry-specific jargon and terminology, which is aimed at other experts in the field or students studying the subject.

Who are the primary audiences for scholarly sources?

The primary audience for scholarly sources includes other experts in the field and students studying the subject, as they seek detailed and rigorous information.

How do non-scholarly sources differ from scholarly sources in terms of purpose?

Non-scholarly sources aim to inform, entertain, or persuade the general public, whereas scholarly sources aim to contribute to the knowledge within a specific academic field.

What is the typical writing style of non-scholarly sources?

Non-scholarly sources have a casual and accessible writing style, making them easier for the general public to understand.

Who usually writes non-scholarly sources?

Non-scholarly sources can be written by anyone, including journalists, enthusiasts, or even experts in a field, but not necessarily academic scholars.

How do the publishers of non-scholarly sources compare to those of scholarly sources?

Non-scholarly sources can be published by a variety of outlets such as newspapers, magazines, or blogs, while scholarly sources are often published by academic presses or professional organizations.

Why might non-scholarly sources not provide a list of references?

Non-scholarly sources may not provide a list of references because they have not been subjected to the same level of scrutiny and peer review as scholarly sources.

What is the main takeaway from understanding the differences between scholarly and non-scholarly sources?

Understanding the differences between scholarly and non-scholarly sources helps in choosing the right source for research needs, based on the required level of rigor, credibility, and depth of information.