
Scholarly articles and popular articles serve different purposes and target different audiences, which leads to several key differences between the two:
1. Audience - Scholarly articles are written by experts in a particular field for an audience of other researchers, academics, and professionals in that field. They assume a certain level of knowledge and expertise in the subject matter. Popular articles are written for a general audience, including non-experts and the public at large. They aim to inform, entertain, or persuade readers without assuming specialized knowledge.
2. Language and Style - Scholarly articles use technical language and terminology specific to the field. They often include citations, graphs, data, references, and footnotes. Popular articles use easy-to-read language and include images or photographs.
3. Content - Scholarly articles present original research findings and analysis. They undergo peer review, ensuring the quality and credibility of the research. Popular articles focus on current events, trends, human interest stories, and practical advice, that may draw on research but do not include in-depth analysis.
4. Length and Structure - Scholarly articles tend to be longer and more structured, often including sections such as abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Popular articles are usually shorter and may have a more flexible structure. They may include headings, subheadings, and bullet points for readability.
5. Publication Sources - Scholarly articles are published in academic journals that are peer-reviewed and have a rigorous editorial process. These journals are often subscribed to by academic institutions and libraries. Popular articles are published in newspapers, magazines, websites, and blogs that target a general readership. They may be freely available online or behind a paywall, depending on the publication.
6. Purpose- Scholarly articles aim to contribute new knowledge, advance understanding within a particular discipline, and communicate research findings to the academic community. Popular articles aim to entertain, inform, educate, or persuade readers about a wide range of topics, including news, lifestyle, entertainment, and personal development.
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