We explain what popular articles are and what their characteristics are. We also explain how to write them and some examples.
What is a popular article?
It is known as a popular article or informative article. a type of informative publication and, in general, scientific or technological themes. Unlike technical or academic publications, it is written in the simplest, most democratic and understandable way possible, to ensure mass access to simplified scientific knowledge.
In that sense, informative articles They play an important role in the simplification and viralization of specialized knowledgeHowever, they are not always reliable sources of information since they are an interpretive, broad and often superficial version of the true scientific knowledge that supports it.
Even so, these are popular and in-demand readings throughout the world. They also usually provide space for occult or pseudoscientific information, depending on the specific focus of the publication in which it appears.
See also: Written communication
Origins of scientific dissemination
Science and specialized knowledge were never the popular domain in human history. In fact, for centuries the less favored classes did not even know how to read.
However, since the Renaissance a gradual process of change began, in which the great thinkers and popularizers played an important role. For example, in 1610 Galileo Galilei published the first popular magazine in history, “Sidereus nunciuswhere he explained his scientific discoveries.
Several publications of the time, such as Galileo’s, were written in Vulgar Latin (the variant of Latin spoken by the lower classes) instead of Classical Latin, so that everyone could read and understand them.
Characteristics of a popular article
- Objectivity. Popularity articles should not expose personal positions, reveal opinions, actively participate in the event that the topic is open to debate within the scientific community, or make value judgments. They should provide information in a neutral way so that the reader can form their own opinion.
- Expert authors. Popular articles are not necessarily written by prominent personalities; the authors can be journalists or writers who are experts in the topic to be developed.
- Various formats. The formats in which popular articles are presented can be varied, for example, in a magazine, on Internet sites, in online videos, in brochures, freely distributed magazines or books that compile popular articles or essays.
Structure of a popular article
Every popular science article consists of three parts:
- Introduction. It is a brief preview of the topic to be developed, in which general data is mentioned so that the reader can quickly decode what the article is about.
- Development. It is the complete development of the topic and corresponds to the body of the article, which details the greatest amount of pertinent information.
- Conclusion. It is the closing of the article as a summary, in which some of the most important points can be reiterated or relevant data provided that gives meaning to the previous development of the article.
The difference between report and article
The main difference between a newspaper report and an informative article It has to do with the character of validity or currentness of the subject matter addressed.
In the case of reporting, timeliness is paramount, whether because there was a great discovery in the area, because it affects the community in some way recently, or simply because it is “in vogue.”
Popular texts, on the other hand, do not always respond to the call of the news, but rather address complex topics that are already accepted as scientific knowledge, seeking to make them easier to understand.
More in: Report
How to write a popular science article?
The steps to write a scientific dissemination article are:
- Investigate and inform yourself. You must have sufficient knowledge regarding the topic to be able to explain it in a simple and understandable way to the general public.
- Identify the most relevant content. Not all aspects of the topic are of interest to the public. It is necessary to select the most important and what is necessary to decode the specialty developed.
- Maintain objectivity. Avoid subjective content (opinions or value judgments) or incorporate it by offering other diverse points of view on the subject.
- Use simple language. Without going to the point of underestimating the reader, it is important to avoid overly technical words or terms or, in any case, develop them briefly in the article.
Importance of scientific dissemination
Popular science articles are part of an educational apparatus that facilitates the general public’s access to the most academic, technical or specialized informationwhich allows for the formation of a “common sense” regarding science and the rules of the universe that we have discovered. They contribute to reducing the educational gap between different sectors of the population.
Important scientific communicators
Among the most popular science popularizers are:
- Isaac Asimov: Astronomy and other disciplines.
- Carl Sagan: Astronomy.
- Stephen Hawking: Astrophysics.
- Rachel Carson: Ecology.
- Steven Pinker: Psychology.
- Desmond Morris: Anthropology.
Examples of informative articles
Some examples of popular articles are:
References:
- “Scientific popularization” on Wikipedia.
- “Tips and suggestions for writing informative articles” (Study material) Autonomous University of Madrid Foundation (UAM).
- “How to write an informative article” in ComunicaCiencia, online communication manual for researchers at the University of La Rioja (Argentina).
- “Articles for popular science – science at your fingertips” in SEBBM, Spanish Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
- “Galileo, pioneer of scientific dissemination” by Ramón Núñez Centella in El País.