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Differences between Scholarly Journals & Popular Magazines
     
                 

 

When you look at print versions of scholarly journals and popular magazines, their physical characteristics make it easy to tell them apart. When you use an electronic database, both journals and magazines look very similar on the monitor.  You may find it hard to tell one from the other. Some of the differences outlined  here offer some clues. Click here to see notes at the  bottom of this page.  

          Scholarly Journals   Popular Magazines
               
      INTENT   To make results of research known to others in the field   Profit motive
 
      APPEARANCE   Front cover is usually plain & does not change with each issue   Front cover is usually different for each issue. Plenty of photos.  Can have "flashy" appearance
 
  ADVERTISING   Advertising if any, is usually for publications & memberships of scholarly societies   Advertising for consumer products is plentiful
             
    PUBLISHER   Usually a scholarly organization or society   Corporation
             
    AUTHOR   Articles are by people in the profession. Often identifies the university/ organization the author is affiliated with. Credentials of author are often given.  Articles are often "peer reviewed" by other specialists in the field. (* see meaning of peer reviewed" below)   Articles are often written by staff/ journalists who work with the publisher on a regular basis
               
        ARTICLE TYPE/LENGTH   Often based on research done. Often covers a specific discipline. Articles are substantial.   Often features a topic or theme
                 
        FREQUENCY   Research-based articles take a longer time to write.  Publications are often quarterly.  Issues can often be identified as "Spring", "Summer",  "Fall" and "Winter"   Issues could be date specific - weekly or monthly
                 

Link to Electronic Journal Database

       TITLE   The word "Journal" often appears in the title.  Examples: Canadian Journal of Communication   Examples  include Newsweek, Time,
           
        LANGUAGE USED   The language often contains technical terms or the jargon of the subject discipline   The language is non-technical and is usually understood by average readers. The writing style is usually a narrative style
           
HOME   SOURCES   Contains reference list/ bibliographies, works cited and sometimes footnotes   Sources are rarely cited
     
   Library Catalogue              
  NOTES
        "Peer review" is a process where referees or scholarly members in the field evaluate the quality of an article that is submitted for publication. They suggest corrections before it is published.  Ebscohost Academic Elite database which the library offers, allows you to limit your search to "peer reviewed" journals.
         
       
       

© Columbia College Library 2004