Is This a Scholarly Journal Article?

Scholarly Journal Articles

• Purpose - to inform, report, or make original research available to other researchers.
• Authors/Publishers - written by scholars or researchers in the field. Articles are peer reviewed by other experts in the field before being published by a professional organization.
• Sources - cite sources; include extensive documentation to previously published research (footnotes, endnotes, bibliographies, etc.)
• Language - use terminology, jargon, and the language of the discipline covered.
• Format - have grave, serious formats. May contain graphs and charts to illustrate concepts.
• Examples - Annals of Microbiology, Harvard Business Review, Journal of Physiology, Physics Letters

 

Non-Scholarly Journal Articles (News/General Interest)

• Purpose - to provide general information to a well educated, general audience.
• Authors/Publishers - written by staff, free-lance, or scholarly writers. Articles are not peer reviewed; editorial team makes all content decisions before being published by commercial enterprises for a profit.
• Sources - Sometimes cite sources, but not as a rule.
• Language - geared to any educated audience; no specialty assumed, unfamiliar terms often defined.
• Format - are attractive in appearance. Include photos, illustrations, and graphics to enhance the publication.
• Examples - Atlantic Monthly, Newsweek, Fortune, Psychology Today

 

Popular Magazines

• Purpose - to entertain or persuade, to sell products or services.
• Authors/Publishers - written by the staff or free-lance writers for a broad-based audience. Articles are not peer reviewed. They are published by commercial enterprises for profit.
• Sources - rarely cite sources. Original sources may be obscure.
• Language - use simple language for minimal educational level. Articles are short, with little depth.
• Format - are generally glossy with an attractive format. Contain photos, illustrations, and drawings to enhance publication's image.
• Examples - Better Homes and Gardens, GQ, Glamour, People Weekly, Sports Illustrated