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Journals vs. Magazines

Finding Theses and Dissertations

Scholarly Journal Articles vs. Popular Magazine Articles

   

There are many types of journals, ranging from the very popular, e.g. Time or Sports Illustrated, to the more academic and research-focused, e.g. American Journal of Physics or The American Economic Review.  Scholarly researchers generally choose the latter type in which to publish.

What is a Peer-Reviewed Journal?
Many academic journals are called peer-reviewed or refereed journals. Articles submitted to this type of journal for publication consideration are evaluated by several reviewers who are expert in the field covered by the article. These then recommend whether or not the article should be published. Thus, such articles having gone through a rigorous review process tend to have more credibility and intellectual prestige. A very informative video is Peer Review in 5 Minutes (created by North Carolina State University) that well encapsulates the peer-review process.
 

Characteristics Peer-Reviewed or Scholarly Journal Popular Journal or Magazine
Length

Usually long articles focusing on in-depth analysis of topics.

Generally shorter articles providing broader, sketchier coverage of topics.
Author
  • researchers, scholars, experts, specialists
  • author's credentials are generally listed together with author's academic affiliation
  • usually journalists, staff-writers, freelance authors 
  • generally no author's credentials or affiliation
  • articles are often unsigned
Appearance Usually has
  • an abstract at the beginning of the article
  • a "serious" look to it
  • few, if any pictures, and fewer still in color 
  • a more specialized vocabulary
Articles are often
  • heavily illustrated, many with photographs
  • with normal, non-technical vocabulary that's easy to understand
Purpose Report original research, results of experiments, new discoveries in scholarship, etc. Articles are usually intended to provide general information, to entertain or to persuade.
Intended Audience Scholars, researchers, students, experts. Aimed at the general reader, the lay person, the non-expert.
Works Cited/ Documentation At the end of the article there is always a bibliography of sources used by the author(s). Usually there's no bibliography or works cited.
Publisher

 Often university presses, professional associations/societies; educational institutions.

Usually published by commercial publishers and sold in stores and on newsstands.
Advertisements There are usually few, if any, advertisements. Generally there are numerous, often colorful advertisements.
Format/Structure Articles are usually quite structured, often with distinct sections: abstract, literature review, methodology, results, conclusion, works cited.
 

Articles usually don't have any set format.