What is a Scholarly Article?

A scholarly article is a piece of writing that is written by an expert or an authority in a particular field of study. These articles remain published in academic journals, which adopt a peer-review approach and editing by other experts in the same field. Besides, they are different from popular articles, which are written for a general audience and published in magazines or newspapers.

The articles are written to contribute to the existing body of knowledge in a particular field. These articles present original research, review existing research, or provide critical analysis of a topic. They are usually longer than popular articles and include a bibliography or list of references.

Characteristics of a Scholarly Article

Scholarly articles have some specific characteristics that distinguish them from other types of writing. These characteristics include:

Authoritative

Scholarly articles remain written by experts in their fields, who have an in-depth understanding of the topic they are writing about. The authors have the necessary qualifications, such as degrees, to write about the subject matter.

Objective

The articles embrace an objective tone. The authors are not trying to persuade or influence the reader’s opinion but rather present facts and evidence to support their arguments.

Peer-reviewed

Scholarly articles remain peer-reviewed, which means they remain evaluated by other experts in the same field. The peer-review process ensures that the articles meet a high standard of quality and accuracy.

Evidence-based

The articles remain based on evidence and data. The authors use research, experiments, or case studies to support their arguments.

Formal Structure

Scholarly articles have a formal structure. Hence, they usually include an abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. This structure makes it easier for readers to understand the article’s content.

Importance of Scholarly Articles

Such articles are important for several reasons. They:

Contribute to Knowledge

Scholarly articles contribute to the existing body of knowledge in a particular field. They provide new insights, ideas, and discoveries that can lead to further research and development.

Provide Evidence

Scholarly articles provide evidence to support arguments and conclusions. This evidence is based on research, experiments, or case studies, which makes the arguments more credible.

Inform Practice

The  articles inform practice in a particular field. They provide information and guidance on best practices, new techniques, and emerging trends.

Build Careers

Scholarly articles are important for building academic careers. They are a measure of an academic’s expertise, reputation, and productivity. Publishing scholarly articles can help academics publish more research, secure funding, and advance their careers.

How to Access Scholarly Articles

Accessing scholarly articles can be challenging, especially for those outside of academic institutions. However, there are several ways to access such articles:

Academic Databases

Academic databases, such as JSTOR, ScienceDirect, and PubMed, provide access to a vast collection of such articles. These databases require a subscription or membership to access.

Open Access Journals

Open access journals provide free access to such articles. These journals are usually funded by academic institutions or research organizations.

Interlibrary Loan

Interlibrary loan allows individuals to borrow materials from other libraries. This service is usually available at public libraries and academic institutions.

Different Types of Scholarly Articles

There are several types of articles, each with its unique characteristics. Some of the most common types include:

Research Articles

Research articles present original research conducted by the author(s). These articles follow a formal structure and include an abstract, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.

Review Articles

Review articles summarize and analyze existing research on a particular topic. These articles can provide an overview of the current state of knowledge in a field and identify areas for further research.

Case Studies

Case studies describe specific instances or examples of a particular phenomenon. These articles can provide insights into real-world situations and inform practice.

Tips for Writing Scholarly Articles

Writing such an article can be challenging, but there are several tips that can help:

Identify a Gap in Knowledge

Before writing your article, identify a gap in knowledge or a research question that needs to be addressed. Hence, this will ensure that the article contributes to the existing body of knowledge.

Conduct a Thorough Literature Review

A thorough literature review is essential for writing a scholarly article. Consequently, this review should include an analysis of existing research on the topic and identify gaps or inconsistencies in the literature.

Use Clear and Concise Language

Scholarly articles should use clear and concise language. Besides, avoid jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar to readers.

Follow the Formal Structure

Follow the formal structure for scholarly articles, including an abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Ultimately, this structure makes it easier for readers to understand the article’s content.

Challenges in Writing Scholarly Articles

Writing scholarly articles can be challenging, and there are several obstacles that authors may face. These obstacles include:

Time Constraints

Writing a scholarly article can be time-consuming, especially when conducting original research. Authors may struggle to balance their research and writing commitments with other responsibilities.

Lack of Funding

Lack of funding can make it challenging for authors to conduct research or publish scholarly articles. Funding is often necessary to cover research expenses, publication fees, or open-access fees.

Rejection

Scholarly articles may be rejected by academic journals, especially during the peer-review process. This rejection can be demotivating and delay the publication process.

Peer Review Process for Scholarly Articles

The peer-review process is an essential part of publishing scholarly articles. The process involves submitting an article to a journal, which is then evaluated by other experts in the same field. The peer-review process ensures that the article meets a high standard of quality and accuracy.

Scholarly Article vs. Popular Article

Scholarly articles are different from popular articles, which are written for a general audience and published in magazines or newspapers. Popular articles are usually shorter and less formal than scholarly articles. They may also use less technical language and focus on current events or trends rather than original research.

Conclusion

Scholarly articles are essential sources of information in the academic world. Additionally, they contribute to the existing body of knowledge, provide evidence, inform practice, and build careers. Writing such articles can be challenging, but with careful planning, thorough research, and clear writing, authors can create articles that are valuable contributions to their field. Also, accessing scholarly articles can be challenging. However, by utilizing academic databases, open access journals, and interlibrary loan services, individuals can gain access to the wealth of knowledge contained within these articles.

FAQs

What is a scholarly article?

It is a research article that presents original research conducted by the author(s) and is intended for an academic audience.

How can I access scholarly articles?

You can access them through academic databases, open access journals, and interlibrary loan services.

What is the peer-review process for scholarly articles?

The peer-review process involves submitting an article to a journal, which is then undergoes evaluation by other experts in the same field to ensure that it meets a high standard of quality and accuracy.

What is the difference between a scholarly article and a popular article?

The articles remain written for an academic audience and present original research, while popular articles remain written for a general audience and focus on current events or trends.

What are some common types of scholarly articles?

Some common types of scholarly articles include research articles, review articles, and case studies.

Outline:

I. Introduction

• Define the topic of the article and the purpose of the research
• Provide a brief overview of the current state of knowledge in the field
• State the research question or hypothesis

II. Literature Review

• Provide a thorough review of the existing literature on the topic
• Identify gaps in the current knowledge or areas where further research is needed
• Explain how the research will contribute to the existing body of knowledge

III. Methodology

• Describe the research design and methodology used to conduct the study
• Explain how data was collected and analyzed
• Identify any limitations or potential sources of bias in the study

IV. Results

• Present the findings of the study in a clear and organized manner
• Use visual aids such as tables or graphs to help illustrate the data
• Explain the significance of the results and how they relate to the research question or hypothesis

V. Discussion

• Interpret the results of the study in light of the existing literature
• Discuss the implications of the findings for the field as a whole
• Identify any potential areas for further research

VI. Conclusion

• Summarize the main findings of the study and their significance
• Reiterate the research question or hypothesis and how it was addressed by the study
• Provide recommendations for future research or practical applications of the findings

VII. References

• List all sources cited in the article in a standard citation format.

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