Understanding "Scholarly" vs. "Non-Scholarly" Articles
When we talk about "scholarly" articles, we're usually referring to works published in academic journals. These are written by experts in a specific field, undergo a rigorous peer-review process (meaning other experts in the field vet them before publication), and are typically aimed at other academics and researchers. They often use specialized language and cite extensive research.
But what about everything else? There's a vast world of information out there in articles that aren't scholarly. Knowing the difference is crucial for getting accurate and reliable information, whether you're a student doing research, a curious reader, or just trying to stay informed. Let's explore some common examples of non-scholarly articles.
Examples of Non-Scholarly Articles
1. News Articles
These are probably the most common type of non-scholarly article you'll encounter. News articles are published in newspapers, magazines, and online news outlets. Their primary purpose is to report on current events.
- Purpose: To inform the public about what's happening now.
- Authors: Usually journalists or reporters who may or may not have deep expertise in the subject matter but are skilled at gathering information and presenting it clearly.
- Audience: The general public.
- Tone: Generally objective, though some news sources may have a particular editorial stance.
- Citations: Typically cite sources like interviews, press releases, or official statements, but rarely include extensive bibliographies of academic research.
Specific Examples:
- A report on a recent political development in the New York Times.
- A feature story about a local community event in your hometown newspaper.
- An online article from CNN or Fox News about a breaking international incident.
2. Magazine Articles (General Interest)
These are found in popular magazines that cover a wide range of topics for entertainment or general knowledge. Think about magazines you might see in a doctor's office or at the grocery store checkout.
- Purpose: To entertain, inform, or provide lifestyle advice.
- Authors: Staff writers, freelance writers, or sometimes celebrities and known personalities. Expertise can vary widely.
- Audience: The general public with specific interests (e.g., fashion, sports, cooking, technology).
- Tone: Can range from informative to opinionated, often more engaging and less formal than news articles.
- Citations: Seldom include formal citations, relying on interviews and general knowledge.
Specific Examples:
- An article in People magazine about a celebrity's new movie.
- A piece in National Geographic about wildlife conservation efforts (while often well-researched, it's not peer-reviewed academic work).
- A "how-to" guide in Good Housekeeping on home organization.
3. Blog Posts
Blogs are online journals or informational websites, often run by individuals or organizations. They can cover almost any topic imaginable.
- Purpose: To share personal opinions, experiences, information, or promote a product/service.
- Authors: Anyone! From hobbyists to industry professionals, bloggers can have varying levels of expertise and credibility.
- Audience: Can be very niche or broad, depending on the blog's subject.
- Tone: Highly variable – can be informal, conversational, persuasive, or even ranting.
- Citations: Often minimal or non-existent. Some blogs may link to other sources, but not in an academic format.
Specific Examples:
- A personal blog entry about a recent travel experience.
- A "listicle" on a popular lifestyle website like Buzzfeed titled "10 Signs You're a True Coffee Lover."
- A company blog post discussing their latest product features.
4. Opinion Pieces and Editorials
These articles present a specific viewpoint or argument on a topic. While they may be well-researched and articulate, their primary goal is persuasion rather than objective reporting or academic analysis.
- Purpose: To express a particular viewpoint and persuade the reader.
- Authors: Columnists, experts, or concerned citizens, but always with a stated or implied bias.
- Audience: The general readership of the publication.
- Tone: Persuasive, argumentative, and often passionate.
- Citations: May reference facts or events, but their strength lies in the argument itself, not in a rigorous academic citation of data.
Specific Examples:
- An op-ed in the Wall Street Journal arguing for a specific economic policy.
- A "Letter to the Editor" in your local paper expressing an opinion on a town issue.
- An editorial from a publication like The Nation or The American Conservative.
5. Web Content (General Websites)
This is a broad category encompassing information found on many websites that aren't news outlets, academic institutions, or reputable magazines.
- Purpose: Can be anything from providing information, selling products, to entertainment.
- Authors: Anyone who can create a website. Credibility is highly questionable without further verification.
- Audience: Varies greatly.
- Tone: Can be anything from professional to highly informal or promotional.
- Citations: Usually absent.
Specific Examples:
- A "health tips" article on a website you've never heard of, with no author listed or sources provided.
- Product reviews on e-commerce sites (while sometimes helpful, they are often biased by the seller or reviewer's agenda).
- Content on personal or hobbyist websites that isn't backed by evidence.
6. Trade Publications
These are magazines or journals aimed at people working in a specific industry. While they often contain valuable information, they are written for professionals in that field, not for academic researchers. They focus on industry trends, business news, and practical advice.
- Purpose: To inform professionals within a specific industry about news, trends, and practices.
- Authors: Industry journalists and experts.
- Audience: Professionals in a particular sector (e.g., marketing, healthcare administration, construction).
- Tone: Informative and practical, often with a business-oriented perspective.
- Citations: May include case studies or industry data, but not typically in the formal style of academic journals.
Specific Examples:
- An article in Advertising Age about a new marketing campaign.
- A publication like Modern Healthcare discussing hospital management strategies.
Why is it Important to Know the Difference?
Distinguishing between scholarly and non-scholarly articles is vital for several reasons:
- Credibility: Scholarly articles generally offer a higher level of credibility due to the peer-review process and the authors' expertise.
- Bias: News articles, opinion pieces, and blogs can be more prone to bias, whether intentional or unintentional.
- Depth of Research: Scholarly works are built on extensive research and data analysis, providing a deeper understanding of a topic.
- Accuracy: While all publications aim for accuracy, the rigor of academic research often leads to more precise and verified information.
When you're doing research for a school project, writing a report for work, or even just trying to understand a complex issue, you need to choose your sources wisely. Relying solely on non-scholarly sources can lead to misinformation or a superficial understanding of a subject.
Always consider the source, the author's credentials, the publication's reputation, and the article's purpose before accepting the information as fact. This critical evaluation will help you navigate the vast sea of information more effectively.
FAQ Section
How can I tell if an article is scholarly?
Look for indicators like authors who are professors or researchers, a peer-review statement in the journal's "About" section, a list of extensive academic references, and specialized jargon. Scholarly articles are typically published in academic journals, not popular magazines or newspapers.
Why are news articles considered non-scholarly?
News articles are written for a general audience to report on current events. While they strive for accuracy, they are not subjected to the rigorous peer-review process of academic journals, and their authors are typically journalists, not subject-matter experts with deep research backgrounds. Their focus is on timeliness rather than exhaustive academic analysis.
Are blog posts ever reliable?
Some blog posts can be reliable, especially if they are written by recognized experts in their field and provide credible evidence or links to support their claims. However, blogs are generally considered non-scholarly because they lack formal editorial oversight and peer review, and the author's expertise can be difficult to verify.
When should I use non-scholarly articles?
Non-scholarly articles are excellent for getting a general overview of a topic, understanding current events, finding opinions, or for quick background information. They are also useful for discovering potential leads for more in-depth research in scholarly sources.
