Scholarly

Popular

Length

Generally longer articles that analyze topics in greater detail

Generally shorter articles that provide broad overviews of topics

Authorship

Author is usually an expert or specialist in the subject field.  Author name(s) and credentials are always provided.

Author is usually a staff writer or journalist.  Often names and credentials are not listed.

 Language / Audience

Usually written using subject field’s lingo/jargon that scholarly readers are familiar with.

Usually written in non-technical language for anyone to understand regardless of background or training.

Format / Structure

Articles usually more structured.  Often includes sections labeled:  abstract, literature review, methodology, results, conclusion, & bibliography.

Articles often do not follow a specific format or structure.

Special Features

Often includes illustrations that support the text, such as statistical tables, graphs, maps, or photographs.

Often includes illustrations with glossy or color photographs (often for advertising purposes)

Editors

Articles usually reviewed and critically evaluated by a board of experts in the field (refereed).

Articles are only evaluated by magazine editors.

Credits

Bibliography (works cited) and/or footnotes are always provided to document research thoroughly.

Works cited are usually not provided.  Names of reports or references are mentioned only within the text.