Difference between Scholarly and Popular Articles - Research Paper Example

Scholarly Article: Summary There have been a number of carefully designed research studies that have attempted to add to the knowledge and understanding available about human sexuality. One such study has been conducted by Peter Bearman and Hannah Bruckner in 2001. This study, titled “Opposite – sex twins and Adolescent Same – sex Attraction” was published by the Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy and was an attempt on the author’s part to try and understand which of the various theories proposed as explanations of same – sex attraction are best supported by the data at hand. This study was later published in the American Journal of Sociology. Although the study did not have any hypothesis per-se, it tested the extent to which each of the theories that attempt to explain why people are attracted to individuals of the same sex hold up using empirical data drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health which was a nation – wide representative sample of adolescent participants. Data was collected in waves; and the response rate was quite high each time. The study collected data on adolescents who were twins (monozygotic and dizygotic), siblings other than twins; twins with siblings, unrelated siblings and unrelated individuals. A total of 20,745 individuals were included for analysis. The study followed a qualitative methodology; and data was collected using at – home survey and interview techniques. Quantitative data was also collected for key issues; and statistically analyzed. Given that the topic of sexuality can be rather sensitive, the data was collected using Audio Computer Assisted Self-Administered Interview. This extensive work led to the understanding that the ‘intrauterine transfer of hormones’ theory of same – sex attraction has not been supported, just as the theory if ‘Genetic influence’ has not if the socialization effect is discounted (Bearman and Bruckner, 2001). The Evolutionary model has also been discounted. The model that garnered strong support from the data was the model discussing the role of socialization in same – sex attraction. The group that showed the effect most was male participants with a female twin but no same-sex older sibling. 18.7% respondents in this group mentioned a same-sex attraction; which is far higher than the 8.6% in the full sample studied (Bearman and Bruckner, 2001). Thus it seems that the emphasis on equality that exists in a household that has opposite sex twins seems to help in exploring the homosexual identity. This effect is greater if there is no elder brother to set down patterns for the male twin. It is interesting that the same effect is not seen for female participants. Popular Media Article: Summary An article written by Robert Kunzig and posted on Psychologytoday.com in May 2008 that discusses the possible reasons for an individual being homosexual. The article focuses on the possible reasons for male homosexuality and same – sex attraction; but does not speak much about the reasons for female homosexuality and same – sex attraction. This article emphasizes heavily on the genetic model; and interprets findings to support the biological perspective. According to the author; an analysis of a number of studies has brought forth the notion that same – sex attraction and relationships are determined by biological factors including genetic, hormonal and others. The article expresses an opinion that sexual preference is determined before birth. According to the author; there may be many genes’ that affect the sexual preference of an individual; which in themselves only affect temperament, behaviors and desire. It may be the co-occurrence of many such genes is the cause of homosexuality. Another theory suggested is that the genetic factors responsible for gay men may be genes that are passed from the female parent; and these may be genes that are valuable in encouraging female procreation. Another factor postulated is the presence of older male siblings who are biologically related. The article proposes the theory that the prenatal environment for a later born male child may be very different from the first male child borne by a woman. These changes may influence the development of the fetus – especially brain development – and thus be responsible for same – sex attraction (Kunzig, 2008). The article admits that the explanations forwarded are inadequate when explaining the spectrum of same – sex attraction; but emphasizes on biological answers. Comparison The two articles examined have a few commonalities – namely that they both quote the works of other researchers who have used empirical methods to understand same – sex attraction. Both articles attempt to be fact based, and provide the reader with a better understanding of the issues being discussed. Besides this, the two articles are very different. The language used is drastically different; and so is the ease of understanding. The scholarly article uses technical language; and jargon, since the audience it is aimed at is academic and will understand the terminology used. It is more precise, and does not make assumptions that are not supported by data. A list of sources for references is given to help the reader understand the motivation for certain statements. On the other hand, the popular media article does not provide references; nor does it use much jargon. The style of writing makes for easy reading and it is easy to understand in a single reading. While the scientific article was based on painstakingly collected data; the popular article was based off the conclusions drawn by other researchers. The popular article only attempts to provide an overview of the concepts without providing affiliations of the data or the authors while the scholarly article has taken great pains to provide proof for each statement made. Although it is tempting to choose one over the other; it is important to remember that both articles – though attempting to answer similar questions – serve very different purposes. The scholarly article’s main aim is to find facts and make sense of them; and to contribute to the scientific understanding to the reasons for same – sex attraction. This article is aimed at academicians and research scientists; and attempts to build on their previous knowledge which is typically considerable when compared to the lay individual. Thus, the scholarly article is justified in its use of difficult and technical language since the audience understands this language. The information it provides about the participants and the methods helps in evaluating the quality of the study; and thus, it’s acceptability as a genuine addition to existing knowledge. The popular article has been written for the common masses who are not trained to understand scientific terms or methods; and so is justified in its simplicity. The aim of a popular article is not to add to existing knowledge; but to convey established facts and scientific opinions to the masses. Thus, it is necessary that such articles use simple language and are creatively written so that they engage the lay reader. The use of anecdotes and quotes helps make the article more interesting, and thus ensures that it gets’s read. The popular article fulfils these goals and provides impetus to the reader to explore more by making the topic interesting. Although both articles provide different answers to the same question; it is possible to attribute this to the difference in the time of publication as well as to the fact that a popular article may be influenced by the author’s opinions while a scholarly one is not. This given, it is necessary to understand that the scientific articles and research studies are the source of knowledge that goes into the popular articles; and the value of these sources is in the fact that the data published in them is reviewed and revised to exclude mistakes and personal opinions that may be biased (Trochin, & Donnelly, 2008). For a student, the use of research articles is necessary to gain an objective and un-biased understanding of a subject and to become acquainted with not only the classic studies that provided direction to the research movement; but also with the current and recent trends in research, and consequently, in thought. The study of sexuality is often a sensitive issue; especially in the lives of those who perceive themselves as different in some way. Since sex is such a central behavior to human and animal existence; it is necessary to gain unbiased and objective understanding of the subject. An individual’s personal knowledge is restricted by his / her experiences and may be biased without knowing it. Taking an objective view of the topic through anonymous data collected from a large number of people helps in overcoming these biases and restrictions, and provides a better understanding (Trochin, & Donnelly, 2008). This objective knowledge may then be applied to each individual’s personal experiences to enhance their understanding and to reduce the effect of misconceptions. Conclusion This exercise provides an individual with an understanding of both academic and popular representation of the reasons for same – sex attraction. Although data from some large – scale studies establishes the importance of socialization and nurture effects; another position propounds the importance of nature and genetic factors. Both sources accept the possibility of further explanations and acknowledge gaps in their explanations of phenomena. This exercise also highlights the difference between popular and academic representations of knowledge; and the reasons for these differences. It is necessary to acknowledge that each plays its role in the process of information dissemination and nether is dispensable to the furthering of human understanding of sexuality. The important safeguard is that both resources attempt to be as accurate and objective as possible; and be honest about their shortcomings as about their conclusions. References Bearman, P.S., Brückner, H. (2001). Opposite-Sex Twins and Adolescent Same-Sex Attraction. Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy. 0.-04, Sociology, Yale. (published later as) Bearman, P.S., Brückner, H. (2002). Opposite-Sex Twins and Adolescent Same-Sex Attraction, American Journal of Sociology. vol. 107: pp. 1179-1205. Kunzig, R. (May/June 2008). Finding the Switch.  Psychology Today. pages 90, 93. Trochin, W.K. & Donnelly, J.P. (2008). Research Methods knowledge base (3rd. ed.). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning. Read More