Discussion 2 Linda Explain: At Least Five Differences Betwee

Discussion 2lindaexplain At Least Five Differences Between Popular And

Discuss the differences between popular and scholarly sources used in research. Popular sources aim to inform and entertain a general audience, often containing advertisements and simplified language. They are authored by journalists or media personnel, with minimal emphasis on technical accuracy, and are typically not peer-reviewed. In contrast, scholarly sources are designed for academic or professional audiences, provide detailed research, data, and analysis, and are written by experts or researchers in the field. Scholarly sources are subject to peer review, include formal structures such as abstracts, methodologies, results, and reference lists, and use technical language specific to the discipline.

Some key differences include: content purpose, audience, authorship, language style, and credibility. Popular sources tend to prioritize entertainment and broad accessibility, often sacrificing accuracy and depth. Scholarly sources focus on rigorous research, credibility, and contribution to academic discourse. Additionally, scholarly articles are often more reliable due to peer review processes, whereas popular sources may include biases and inaccuracies.

Paper For Above instruction

In conducting research, the distinction between popular and scholarly sources is crucial for ensuring the credibility and validity of findings. Each type of source serves different purposes, audiences, and standards of academic rigor. Understanding these differences enables researchers to select appropriate materials that bolster their arguments and provide a solid foundation for their work.

Popular sources are primarily created for the general public with the aim of informing or entertaining. These include newspapers, magazines, online articles, and blogs. They often feature engaging language, vivid images, and advertisements, which serve to attract and retain broad readerships. The authors of popular sources are usually journalists or content creators who may not possess specialized expertise in the subject area. This can impact the credibility and depth of the information provided. Moreover, popular sources are typically not peer-reviewed, which means the information may not be thoroughly checked for accuracy or bias.

In contrast, scholarly sources—also known as academic or peer-reviewed sources—are produced within the scholarly community with the goal of advancing knowledge. These include journal articles, conference papers, theses, and scholarly books. Such sources are authored by researchers or experts with extensive training and credentials in their field. They employ rigorous research methodologies and adhere to predefined standards of publication, including peer review, which involves evaluation by other experts in the field. The language used in scholarly sources is technical and discipline-specific, designed to communicate complex ideas and findings clearly and precisely.

A key difference lies in their structure. Scholarly articles typically follow a standardized format comprising an abstract, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and references. This format facilitates transparency, reproducibility, and critical appraisal of the research. Conversely, popular articles seldom adhere to such a structured approach; they may include summaries, opinions, or simplified explanations without detailed methodology or references.

From a credibility standpoint, scholarly sources are regarded as more trustworthy due to the peer review process and their reliance on evidence. They cite previous research, provide exhaustive reference lists, and often include data analyses and statistical charts that support their conclusions. Popular sources may lack such detailed referencing, and their content can be influenced by bias, commercial interests, or sensationalism, which can compromise accuracy.

The purpose of the research process often dictates the choice of source. For instance, when seeking the most accurate, detailed, and reliable data, scholarly sources are indispensable. When aiming to gain a general overview, contextual understanding, or current trends, popular sources might suffice. Nonetheless, for academic research, reliance on peer-reviewed literature is essential for maintaining scholarly integrity.

In sum, understanding the fundamental differences between popular and scholarly sources is vital for appropriate source selection in research. Recognizing the intended audience, authorship criteria, structural format, language style, and credibility factors enhances the ability to critically evaluate information sources, ultimately strengthening the quality of research findings.

References

• Cendejas, M. (2015). Scholarly and popular sources [Video file].
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• Stocker, A. (2019). Study finds $15 minimum wage would lift 1.3 million out of poverty, but may increase joblessness. Newsweek.
• Mitchell Udell, V. S. (2019). Towards a Smart Automated Society: Cognitive Technologies, Knowledge Production, and Economic Growth. Economics, Management, and Financial Markets, 1, 44-49.
• Talty, S. (2018). What will our society look like when artificial intelligence is everywhere? Smithsonian Magazine.