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Scholarly vs. Popular Information
Scholarly Definition: Scholarly information
is usually produced by academics for education purposes
or other researchers. It is often peer
reviewed before it is published.
Popular Definition: Popular material
has been produced in a language and format suitable
for the general public as opposed to academics.
Note: Primary sources are considered scholarly
because they are the original source of information.
This allows the researcher to interpret the material
without influence.
Simple ways to determine whether sources of information
are scholarly or popular include:
| |
Popular |
Scholarly |
| Appearance |
Lots of pictures
May include advertising |
Mostly text
No advertising |
| Content |
Topic of popular interest
Simple Language |
In depth analysis of topic
Technical Language |
| References |
Few or no references |
Extensive reference list |
Currency
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