NARRATOR: Welcome to Lincoln Memorial University Libraries. Today, we're going to explore the differences between popular and scholarly articles. Whether you're just starting your research or need a quick refresher, understanding the distinction between these types of articles can help you find the right sources for your work. Popular articles are designed for a general audience. They can be found in magazines, newspapers, and online publications. These articles are usually written by journalists or professional writers, not experts in the field. 

They often include eye-catching headlines, images, and advertisements. The language is simple and accessible, focusing on entertainment or current events rather than in-depth analysis. In contrast, scholarly articles are written by experts for experts. These are published in academic journals and are intended to contribute to the body of knowledge in a specific field. 

Scholarly articles include detailed sections like an abstract, methodology, results, and a comprehensive list of references. They are often peer reviewed, meaning that other experts have evaluated the work before publication. 

Here's a quick comparison. Popular articles target the general public. Scholarly articles target researchers and professionals. Popular articles are written by journalists or staff writers. Scholarly articles are written by researchers and experts in the field. Popular articles provide a broad overview or entertainment. Scholarly articles offer detailed, evidence-based analysis. 

Popular articles use simple language. Scholarly articles use technical and specialized terminology. Popular articles rarely cite sources. Scholarly articles include extensive references. 

So when should you use each type? If you need general information, current events, or entertainment, popular articles are a good choice. For academic assignments, research projects, or in-depth analysis, you should rely on scholarly articles. 

You can find popular articles through general search engines and news websites. For scholarly articles, use academic databases and library resources. Don't forget to check the peer-reviewed filter to ensure you're accessing scholarly material. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to us at LMU Libraries. Happy researching.