Scholarly sources are authoritative, because they are
- Written by experts in a field of study
- The result of research
- Reviewed and evaluated by other subject experts
Intended for an academic audience (i.e. researchers, professors, and students)
Popular sources are less credible, because they are
- Written by authors who are not experts in the field
- Not reviewed and evaluated by experts in the field
- Intended for the general public
- Informal in tone and scope
| |
Scholarly Publications |
Popular Publications |
| Appearance |
simple layout with serious appearance and dense text - main attraction is the articles |
colourful, glossy, photos, illustrations, advertisements |
| Audience |
scholars, researchers, students and well-educated public |
general public |
| Authors |
scholars, professional practitioners |
journalists, professional and amateur writers who lack subject expertise |
| Review Process |
works published after review by credible scholars in the discipline (peer review) |
works reviewed by publication editors |
| Research Documentation |
footnotes and bibliographies cite the author's research |
information sources are rarely cited |
| Language |
technical language in the specialized vocabulary of the discipline covered |
simple, non-technical language |
| Purpose/Intent |
Present cutting-edge research specific to the field |
to inform or entertain the reader, sell products, and/or promote a viewpoint |
| Examples |
Canadian Journal of Political Science, Shakespeare Quarterly, French Historical Studies |
Newsweek, Sports Illustrated, Vogue, People |
