Research Paper Basics: Scholarly/Peer-Reviewed vs. Popular

Purpose

Scholarly or peer-reviewed journals present and/or report on original research.

Authors

Written by experts in their fields often affiliated with colleges or universities, or other institutions. Credentials that are explicitly stated.

Audience

Other scholars, researchers, and students

Characteristics

• Specialized terminology and jargon related to the field or subject
• Defined structure such as an abstract, objective, methodology, results, analysis, and conclusion
• Has charts, graphs to describe research findings
• Includes citations and a list of references or a bibliography with sources that can be verified
• Article is peer-reviewed meaning other experts has reviewed the paper's content for accuracy, methodology, and relevance
• Little or no advertising

Purpose

To inform and/or entertain

Authors

Written by generalists or non experts who are typically employed by or contracted to write for a publication or website. 

Audience

General public and non-experts interested in a particular subject

Characteristics

• Uses general vocabulary so that it can be understood by most readers 
• Informal structure with a layout that is eye-catching to attract readers
• Includes advertising 
• Has photographs or illustrations and may include eye-catching graphics
• Rarely includes citations or detailed information about sources
• Articles are not peer-reviewed 

Purpose

To report issues, trends, and news within a profession or industry

Authors

Written by journalists or freelancers or the authors may be experts or scholars in the profession or industry.

Audience

Practitioners within the particular profession or industry

Characteristics

• Uses jargon and terminology common within the industry
• May have advertising but it is usually targeted for the publication's audience
• Articles may be short and to-the-point
• Includes photographs and graphics