Scholarly Journals vs. Popular Magazines

How can I find a scholarly journal? How is it different from an article in a magazine? This quick guide will help you identify and locate magazines & journals.

Scholarly Journals (also known as Peer-Reviewed or Refereed Journals):

• are often published monthly or quarterly
• may include several lengthy articles on research projects
• provide research studies that include the scientific method with background/introduction, methods, results, discussion (except literary criticism)
• feature articles written, reviewed, and designed by and for professionals
• display black and white graphics and some advertisements
• list information sources in article text and in references at the end of an article
• can be found on the free Internet but easily searchable in article databases

EXAMPLES:
Physical Therapy | American Psychologist | The Journal of Religion and Popular Culture

Popular Magazines:

• are usually published monthly or weekly
• include short articles on a wide variety of topics
• include articles with basic facts and/or opinion of people, ideas, or events
• feature articles written and edited by staff or freelance journalists
• provide color photographs and advertisements
• list information sources sometimes in the text
• frequently found on the free Internet but easily searchable in article databases

EXAMPLES:
Psychology Today | Science News | U.S. News & World Report
 

More Information on Journals vs. Magazines:
Quick Practice on Identifying Journals & Articles (from Lone Star College-North Harris Library)
Scholarly Journals (from Cal Poly Pomona University Library)
Scholarly vs. Popular Materials Guide (from North Carolina State University Libraries)

Maintained by: M.Norem-Reference Librarian
monica.r.norem@lonestar.edu