Scholarly Journals vs. Popular Magazines

Scholarly Articles:

•          Written by credentialed experts in a particular field of study, such as science, literature, history, etc., for a specialized audience of other experts

•          Written for a specialized audience (other experts in a field of study)

•          Refereed or peer reviewed -- reviewed by an editor and other specialists before being accepted for publication)

•          Language is scholarly or technical

•          Research-based and often lengthy

•          Include references for sources

•          Advertisements not included, or only highly specialized advertisements

Examples of Scholarly Journals:

American Psychologist

Film History

New England Journal of Medicine

Political Science Quarterly

Popular Articles

•          Written for a general audience by journalists

•          Often cover current events, general interest or special interest (non-academic) topics

•          Language is easily understood by general readers

•          Rarely include references

•          Articles often shorter than scholarly articles

Examples of Popular Magazines:

Hot Rod

Martha Stewart Living

Newsweek

Time

                                                                                                                                                                      bbesser 4/08  IHCC Library