Scholarly Journals vs. Popular Magazines vs. Newspapers:
How To Tell the Difference
What is a Periodical?
In the language of libraries, journals and magazines are considered "periodicals." This means that they are published continuously and at regular intervals, such as weekly or monthly. Because of the frequency of their publication, periodicals are a good source of current information.
Types of Periodicals:
The table below compares the basic features and characteristics of articles contained in different types of periodicals. Differences are most distinct between scholarly/academic journals and popular/trade magazines and newspapers.
|
|
Scholarly/Academic |
Popular Magazines |
Trade Journals |
Newspapers |
|
Author |
Scholar or researcher in field with stated credentials and affiliations |
Staff writer, journalist, often a generalist |
Staff writer, journalist often with expertise in field |
Staff writer, journalist, columnist |
|
Sources and Documentation |
All references cited; extensive bibliographies and/or footnotes |
No formal list of references; original sources may be obscure |
May refer to reports; no formal list of references |
May refer to reports; no formal list of references |
|
Editoral Process |
Peer-reviewed or refereed | Reviewed by a single editor | Reviewed by a single editor | Reviewed by a single editor |
|
Purpose |
To present research findings and expand knowledge in a discipline or field | To inform about current or popular events, issues or popular culture; to entertain | To identify trends in a specific field or commerce; report on an industry and its related products | To inform about current events and issues internationally, domestically, and locally |
|
Structure of Articles |
Long (10+ pages) articles with sections such as: Abstract, literature review, methodology, results, conclusion |
Mix of short with in-depth articles on a variety of subjects |
Industry specific articles of varying length |
Brief articles, unless feature |
|
Frequency of Publication |
Annually, semi-annually, quarterly, or monthly | Monthly or weekly | Monthly or weekly | Weekly or daily |
|
Titles |
May contain the words "Journal of", "Review" or "Annals"; may contain the name of a discipline or field; may be lengthy | Straightforward; may address a general theme or subject | Usually short and catchy; may contain the name of a trade or industry | Usually reflects a geographic location |
|
Print Appearance |
Book-like; primarily black and white; mostly dense text with few graphics; no ads |
Very glossy and colorful; high impact visuals and design; some feature columns; many full page advertisements |
Glossy with high impact graphics; regularly scheduled featured columns; pictorials of industry events; industry-related advertisements |
Newsprint; lengthy and brief articles; regularly scheduled featured columns |
|
Language |
Complex and academic; includes field-specific jargon | Simple and non-technical | Mix of jargon and technical | Mix of simple and sophisticated |
|
Illustrations |
Complex tables or graphs to display reseach data | Photos and colorful graphics for entertainment and visual impact | Colorful graphics and photos for emphasis | Photos and graphics for emphasis |
|
Advertisements |
Rare or none at all | Very frequent | Frequent, targeting a specific trade or industry | Frequent |
|
Intended Audience |
Scholars, academics, researchers, advanced students |
General public |
Industry members, professionals and stakeholders |
General public, some with slant (for instance, Wall Street Journal for business people) |
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