The table below lists some of the distinguishing characteristics among different types of periodicals. Keep in mind:
- These descriptions are only general rules and, as with all rules, there are exceptions.
- Physical appearance can give you clues as to the type of periodical, but it is also important to evaluate the content of each article to determine its credibility and usefulness.
- Look at the characteristics in multiple categories, do not base your decision on only one or two!
If you are still unsure whether a periodical is considered an academic/scholarly journal, check with your instructor concerning the suitability of a source for your assignment.
For help making decisions for online full-text articles see: Is it scholarly? Distinguishing online periodical types .
| CRITERIA |
Scholarly Journals
(also called academic,
peer-reviewed, and refereed) |
Professional and
Trade Periodicals |
Popular and Special
Interest Magazines |
Purpose for
Publication |
- Inform and report original research
- Provide in-depth analysis of issues related to a specific discipline
|
- Current trends, news, and research in a specific field
- Provide employment & career information
|
- Entertain, inform, and persuade without providing in-depth analysis
|
General
Characteristics |
- Lengthy articles
- Citations, bibliographies
- Charts, graphs, tables
|
- Some research articles
- Statistics and forecasts
- Sources cited
|
- Articles usually fairly short
- Sources generally not cited
|
Frequency of
Publication |
|
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- Usually monthly or weekly
|
Author
Information |
- Scholars and professors
- Researchers in the field
- Author credentials included
|
- Scholars
- Staff writers
- Freelance journalist
|
- Freelance journalists
- Editorial staff
- Authors may not be identified
|
Article
Characteristics |
- Generally lengthy
- Focus on a narrow subject or piece of research
|
- Varying lengths
- Research articles
- News from the field
- "How to" information
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- Usually short
- General information, little detail
|
Words and
Jargon Used |
- Terminology used by scholars in the discipline
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- Language specific to those in a given profession
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- Common language and sentence structure, no jargon
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Grateful acknowledgement to the Undergraduate Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for permission to use and modify their template