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INST 1502: Reading & Writing the Road

Resources and information relevant to the topics covered in INST 1502.

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Popular & Scholarly Articles

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)
  • Best to use when scholarly authority is needed
  • 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)
  • Best to use for late-breaking news, a hot issue or trend, or brand new technology

Search OhioLINK!

OhioLINK Catalog Image

To locate books and other items at OhioLINK Libraries throughout Ohio and to request their delivery to the Otterbein library, search the OhioLINK Catalog.

 

Tip!

When you are looking for a particular journal or magazine, always check the Otterbein A-Z List to see if we have it.

If we don't have the journal you need, remember that you can always do Interlibrary Loan to get the article.

More questions?

Email your questions to the reference librarian at Library@otterbein.edu or call 614-823-1984. You can also contact your liaison librarian at jcrossfield@otterbein.edu.