Scholarly vs. Popular
Scholarly Press (often referred to as a "journal" article)
- author's name is listed; is a professional or other expert
- text reports research results, includes specialized vocabulary, is aimed at a scholarly audience
- article includes "references" to other works; often at the end of the text
- hard copy of journal includes very little (or highly specialized) advertising
- journal lists an editorial board composed of scholars in the field (look for the names of the editorial board near table of contents near the front of the journal)
- journal deals exclusively with a limited scholarly field (review table of contents)
- journal is published monthly or less often
- articles are listed in specialized indexes, such as “Expanded Academic Index” or “ Health Reference Center".
Popular Press (often referred to as a "magazine" article)
- author often not listed; is a journalist or lay person
- text reports events or opinions; is aimed at a general audience (easy to read)
- articles rarely include "references" to other works
- hard copy of magazine includes a significant amount of advertising
- magazine lists an editor or editorial board who is a member of the magazine's staff
- magazine deals with current events or a popular field of general interest (review table of contents)
- magazine is published monthly or more often
- articles are listed in indexes such as "Reader's Guide" or "Periodicals Index" or " General Reference Center"
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