Distinguish scholarly journals from other periodicals

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Distinguish scholarly journals from other periodicals

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Journals and magazines are important sources for up-to-date information in all disciplines. For many course assignments, you will be required to use scholarly journals. There is not always a clear-cut division between types of publications, but this table offers some clues to help you distinguish between scholarly journals, popular magazines, and trade journals. Not all features have to be present to make a publication "scholarly."

Scholarly Journals

• Audience is made up of scholars, researchers, students of the field
• Written by specialists in the field, usually scholars with Ph.D.s
• Appearance is serious and sober, with few colors and few or no advertisements
• Coverage is original research results and scholarship
• Are signed and often include author's credentials. Often have many joint authors
• Are written in technical and scholarly language and may be reviewed or "refereed" before publication by an editorial board or outside scholars
• Articles are usually at least 10 pages in length
• Supposed to present objective/neutral viewpoint; often published by professional associations, like the American Psychological Association, or by university presses
• Frequency is usually quarterly or semi-annual
• References are cited and usually includes a bibliography and/or footnotes
• Examples are Journal of Applied Physics; Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport; Lancet

Popular Magazines

• Audience is the general public
• Written by journalists, poets and writers of fiction, essayists
• Appearance is glossy with lots of pictures and advertisements
• Coverage is of popular topics and current events
• Article are written in relatively simple language are not always signed by the author
• Articles are usually under 10 pages in length
• May reflect the editorial bias/slant of the magazine
• Frequency is usually weekly or monthly
• Usually has no bibliography or footnotes
• Examples are Newsweek, Men's Health, Sports Illustrated, Ladies' Home Journal

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