FYS 1028: The Other in World Literature, Art, & Cinema

Researchers need to know the difference between popular materials and scholarly materials--and when it's appropriate to use one or the other. 

Scholarly Articles

Popular Articles

Authors are authorities in their fields, often affiliated with a college or university. Sources are cited in endnotes, footnotes, or bibliographies Publications have little or no advertising (other than "ads" for professional conferences or organizations) Articles must go through a peer-review process (in which an expert or several experts in the field review the work for accuracy) Illustrations often take the form of charts and graphs with few, if any, glossy pictures Articles use subject-specific vocabulary Articles report on original research or experimentation--in other words, first-hand    experience with the material discussed (primary source)

Authors are magazine staff members or freelance writers whose credentials aren't always included Sources are often mentioned, but bibliographies aren't usually provided Publications contain paid advertisements Articles are not typically peer reviewed Illustrations are numerous and colorful Language is simple; no specialized knowledge of jargon is needed Articles are short and meant to inform and entertain Articles usually report on information second- or third-hand (secondary or tertiary sources)

  Researching a late-breaking news story, a cutting-edge new band, or brand-new technology will often require using more popular resources because academic resources traditionally take longer to prepare for publication than popular magazines or websites do. If your research requires the use of popular resources, be sure to check them for accuracy and objectivity before you use them for your research.