Distinguishing Scholarly from Non-scholarly Periodicals
Journals and magazines, collectively referred to as periodicals, are important sources of up-to-date information in all disciplines. In the future you may need to read a particular type of periodical known as a scholarly or research-oriented journal. This guide is designed to help you distinguish between a scholarly journal and other types of periodicals.
Periodical Classification:
There are four broad categories of periodicals:
Use the information in this guide's chart to help you distinguish between a scholarly journal and other types of periodicals.
Scholarly vs Peer Reviewed?
A scholarly article:
Peer-reviewed journals (or "refereed" journals) are scholarly journals that only publish articles that have passed through a review process during which other scholars in the author's field or specialty read the article and determine the merit of the manuscript. The review process helps ensure that the published articles reflect credible scholarship in their fields. The reputation of the journal depends on the publication of credible scholarship.
If in Doubt:
A periodical may not be clearly within one of the four categories outlined above. If in doubt, see Magazines for Libraries (Ref. Z6941.M23). Use the title index at the back to locate your periodical. Another option is Ulrich's International Periodicals Directory. This is an online resource available to WIU users.
Scholarly and Research Journals |
Professional, Trade and Industry |
News or Commentary |
Popular |
|
Intent |
To report original research; provide in-depth analysis |
To report current trends, news, and events in a particular field, focusing on product, company and biographical information |
To report or comment on current events in all areas; often hard to distinguish between fact and opinion |
To entertain and inform |
Authors |
Researchers, professors, scholars; author's credentials noted |
Journalists; author's credentials infrequently noted |
Journalists; author's credentials rarely noted |
Journalists; author's credentials rarely noted |
Audience |
College educated or equivalent; assumes background knowledge |
Practitioners in the field |
General population |
General population |
Sources |
Footnotes and bibliographies present |
Sources rarely cited, usually noted within article rather than in notes |
Sources rarely cited, usually noted within article rather than in notes |
Sources rarely cited |
Advertisement |
Ads are rarely present |
Ads relate to the profession/industry |
Advertises any and all products |
Advertises any and all products |
Publisher |
Professional organizations |
Commercial/trade publisher or professional organization |
Commercial publisher |
Commercial publisher |
Examples |
Psychological Bulletin |
Beverage World |
Time |
People Weekly |