What is the difference between a scholarly journal and a popular magazine?

Answer

Scholarly journals are also called peer-reviewed journals.  Peer review is a process by which editors have experts in a field review books or articles submitted for publication by the experts’ peers. Peer review helps to ensure the quality of an information source.

Elements of Scholarly Journals:

  • Articles are lengthy, in-depth and written in the jargon of the field for others with similar backgrounds
  • Authors are experts in the field
  • Audience is the scholarly reader [professors, students, researchers]
  • Illustrations support the text
  • Bibliographies or references are always included
  • Examples: American Sociological Review, Journal of Abnormal Psychology; Journal of Applied Science & Engineering Technology

Magazines are publication issued on a regular basis containing popular articles, written and illustrated in a less technical manner than the articles found in a journal.

Elements of the popular magazine:

  • Feature writers; columns; occasional “guest” writers
  • Usually do not include any bibliographies or references
  • Articles are short [between 1 and 5 pages]
  • Audience is the general public
  • Popular topics written for anyone to understand
  • Often include flashy photography or graphic elements for marketing appeal
  • Examples:  Rolling Stone, Time, Popular Science, National Geographic
  • Last Updated Oct 12, 2017
  • Views 246
  • Answered By The JSCC Libraries

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