Scholarly vs Popular Resources

What is the difference, and why does it matter?

Scholarly vs Popular – what is the difference?

Scholarly Popular

Scholarly sources have been written for the purpose of research.

They have been written by researchers and professionals in a particular field of study.

These types of sources usually analyze the topic from different, academic perspectives.

These sources usually contain extensive footnotes and bibliographies.

Most often available through library databases.

Scholarly sources are written with other researchers as the audience.

Popular articles are generally written for the purpose of entertainment, providing basic information, or delivering the news.

They have been written by journalist.

Popular resources are usually more personal than Scholarly sources and are often story driven.

These resources are typically published in newspapers, magazines, and non-academic books.

These resources typically do not have footnotes, and only occasionally have bibliographies.

Popular sources are written with the general population as the audience.

Scholarly vs Popular – why does it matter?

Both Scholarly and Popular sources are useful in academic research.

Scholarly sources allow you to see how a certain topic has been analyzed in the academic community.

You are able to learn about the topic from experts who have researched the topic extensively and thoroughly.

Popular sources allow you to see how a certain topic or event has impacted the local community or population.

It is good to have a balance of sources in your final product. This allows you to make the connection in your paper between the academic and the more personal.