Click the covers to see a sample article.
Scholarly/Peer-Reviewed Journal
Popular/Trade Magazine
Comparing Scholarly Journals & Popular Sources
| Scholarly Journals | Popular Sources (Magazines/Newspapers) | |
|---|---|---|
| Authors | Experts in the field. The authors’ credentials, affiliations, and contact information are listed. | Reporters and freelance writers. Names and affiliations may not be listed. |
| Audience | Scholars, researchers, and students. Uses scholarly terminology and jargon. | General public, though some trade and professional magazines may write for both others in the field. Language is accessible to most readers. |
| Article Structure | Has clearly defined sections: abstract, literature review, methods/materials, results, discussion, conclusion, references | Doesn't have same set structure. |
| Article Acceptance & Editing | Uses a “peer review” or “referee” process, in which articles are reviewed by other experts in the field before editors make decision to accept, request revisions, or reject the article. | Articles are reviewed by the journal's editors (and typically fact checkers) before publication. |
| Article Length | Varies from short communications (several pages) to longer articles. | Articles can vary from a newspaper column to a magazine article of varying lengths. |
| References | Includes extensive footnotes and/or bibliography. | Rarely includes footnotes or bibliography, though they should reference any articles in the scientific literature discussed in the article. |
| Appearance - Overall | Sober and serious, often presenting data or research results using charts, graphs, and equations. But with a strong visual appeal, using graphical abstracts, multimedia and more to support the article. | Often more visual appeal to bring in a larger audience. |
