Library » Scholarly Journals

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE

	SCHOLARLY JOURNALS	POPULAR MAGAZINES
These periodicals are called:	Journals Scholarly journals Peer reviewed journals Refereed journals	Magazines Digests
Their intended audience is:	Scholars within one academic discipline Subject specialists	The general reader A specific demographic group Enthusiasts or hobbyists with common interests
They publish:	Original scholarly research including abstracts, methodology, conclusions and cited references Discussions of current topics within an academic discipline	Articles related to the theme of the magazine News oriented articles First person accounts Articles summarizing current research for an average reader
Published articles must:	Be submitted by recognized scholars in the field Pass a rigorous review by a panel of subject experts Meet strict guidelines for format and content	Written by a magazine’s own staff writers Submitted by freelance writers Generally checked for factual accuracy Edited for style, grammar, and punctuation
They include:	Advertisements for other scholarly publications, scholarly conferences or professional products Illustrations or photographs that enhance the understanding of an article	Vast quantities of glossy advertisements Eye catching illustrations and photographs Visual effects to grab a reader’s attention
They are published by:	Scholarly or professional associations or societies Universities or research institutions	Corporate conglomerates Commercial publishers Special interest groups

EXAMPLES OF SCHOLARLY JOURNALS AND POPULAR MAGAZINES

SCHOLARLY JOURNALS	POPULAR MAGAZINES
American Journal of Psychology	Psychology Today
Women’s Studies Quarterly	Ladies Home Journal
Science	Scientific American
Annals of the American Association of Geographers	National Geographic
Journal of American History	Time
Journal of Marriage and the Family	Family Circle
JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association)	Health
Child Development	Parents