Scholarly vs. Popular Articles

Summary

This video explains the importance of using scholarly articles in academic work. It outlines the key differences between scholarly and popular articles, emphasizing the credibility and depth of scholarly sources. Key indicators of scholarly articles include author credentials, the presence of an abstract, the use of specialized vocabulary, and the inclusion of footnotes or a bibliography. The video also highlights the peer-review process that ensures scholarly articles are credible. Although popular articles can be informative, they lack the depth required for academic research. The session ends by offering guidance on finding scholarly articles in future discussions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Scholarly articles are required by professors in college to support your ideas in papers and projects.
• 😀 Popular articles, such as those from magazines and newspapers, are generally less detailed and do not provide in-depth information.
• 😀 Scholarly articles are written by academic scholars and undergo a peer-review process to ensure their credibility and authority.
• 😀 To identify scholarly articles, look for the author's credentials, such as a PhD or university affiliation.
• 😀 Scholarly articles typically contain an abstract that summarizes the article's main points.
• 😀 The length of the article is a key indicator: popular articles are short (1-5 pages), while scholarly articles are much longer.
• 😀 Scholarly articles use specialized vocabulary that demonstrates the author’s in-depth knowledge of the subject.
• 😀 A scholarly article will include footnotes or a bibliography to list sources, allowing readers to verify the information.
• 😀 Peer review is an essential part of scholarly articles, as experts evaluate the article's content before it’s published.
• 😀 If unsure whether an article is scholarly, consult with a librarian or professor for clarification.
• 😀 Finding scholarly articles will be covered in the next session, but avoid relying solely on Google for academic sources.

Q & A

Why do professors require students to use scholarly articles instead of popular articles?

Professors require scholarly articles because they provide credible, in-depth, and peer-reviewed information that supports academic research and strengthens the quality of student papers and projects.

What is the main difference between a scholarly article and a popular article?

Scholarly articles are written by experts, undergo peer review, and provide detailed, specialized knowledge. Popular articles, on the other hand, are usually written for a general audience, are less in-depth, and often lack the rigorous review process.

What does the peer-review process ensure in scholarly articles?

The peer-review process ensures that scholarly articles are credible, accurate, and authoritative by having other experts in the field evaluate and approve the content before publication.

How can you identify a scholarly article by its author’s credentials?

You can identify a scholarly article by looking for the author’s credentials, such as a PhD or university affiliation, which indicate that the author is an expert in the field.

Why is the length of an article important in distinguishing between scholarly and popular articles?

Scholarly articles tend to be much longer, often over 10 pages, while popular articles are generally shorter, typically ranging from 1 to 5 pages. This difference reflects the depth of the content.

What role do footnotes or a bibliography play in identifying scholarly articles?

Footnotes or a bibliography in a scholarly article list the sources the author used, allowing readers to verify the information and further explore the material, indicating the article's academic rigor.

What type of language is used in scholarly articles compared to popular articles?

Scholarly articles use specialized vocabulary and technical language to demonstrate the author’s expertise, whereas popular articles are written in more accessible, general language for a broader audience.

What should you do if you're unsure whether an article is scholarly or not?

If you're unsure, you should consult a librarian or your professor for clarification to ensure the article meets scholarly standards.

Why is it important for scholarly articles to be written by experts in the field?

It is important because experts bring in-depth knowledge and credibility to the article, ensuring that the information presented is accurate, reliable, and valuable for academic research.

Where can you find scholarly articles if Google isn't the best option?

You can find scholarly articles through academic databases, library resources, and university websites, which are specifically designed to provide access to peer-reviewed, scholarly materials.