Below is a chart that will help you differentiate between Scholarly Journals, Trade Journals, and Popular Magazines.
Evaluation Criteria |
Scholarly Journal |
Technical/Trade Journal |
Popular Magazine |
|
Content |
Articles presenting original research studies. Book reviews on relevant material to scholars in the field. |
Practical information for professionals within a field: current trends, news, and products. |
Current events, hot topics, commentary on social issues & popular culture, book reviews, etc. |
|
Characteristics |
Technical language, longer article length, discipline specific. |
Can use jargon & technical language, due to professional audience. |
Simple language, shorter articles. |
|
Authors |
Experts in the field |
Professionals/practitioners within the field, journalists with expertise in the subject area. |
Journalists |
|
Audience |
Professors, researchers, professionals, experts, students. |
Professionals/practitioners within a particular field. |
General populace |
|
Citations |
Extensive documentation, footnotes, bibliographies |
Occasionally cite sources within the text. |
Rarely cite sources. |
|
Purpose |
To share research results and to expand knowledge base within the field. |
To share news & current trends with professionals in the field. |
Entertainment, general news reporting, summarizes general research. |
|
What do they look like? |
Include charts, formulas, graphs, few advertisements. Overall serious appearance. |
Include photos, graphs, charts, tables, illustrations, & advertising targeted to the field. |
Colorful, glossy, many graphics, pictures, & advertisements. |
|
Review process |
Articles are evaluated by other experts within the field before publication to guarantee trustworthiness and validity. |
Articles are reviewed by the publication’s editorial staff. Some go through a peer review process: please see specific publication’s website for details. |
Articles are reviewed by magazine’s editorial staff for grammar & spelling. |
|
Publisher |
Universities, scholarly presses, academic/research organizations. |
Commercial publishers |
Commercial publishers |
Some table content adapted from Spring Hill College's What is a Scholarly Journal?
