Scholarly Journals, Popular Magazines, Trade Publications and Newspapers

Different types of publications have different purposes and different audiences. When we talk about journals/magazines, we can usually divide these publications into three broad categories: scholarly journals, popular magazines, and trade publications and newspapers.

Scholarly Journals

Sources are cited in reference notes or bibliographies.
Articles are peer-reviewed or refereed by authorities on the subject.
Articles are often reports on scholarly research. Reviews, metareviews, and overviews generally provide a broad account on a topic.
Articles use jargon of the discipline.
Usually few or no advertisements.

Trade Publications

Articles are written by specialists in a certain field or industry.
Often do not include formal bibliography, but may mention sources.
Intended for people working in the industry.
They are not peer-reviewed.
Articles usually provide practical information and analyses. Often use specific language of the industry or field.

Popular Magazines and Newpapers

Authors are magazine staff members or free lance writers.
Most do not include bibliographies but may refer to sources.
Individual issues contain numerous advertisements.
Not peer-reviewed.
Articles are written to inform or entertain.
Often have illustrations. Terminology used is not highly specialized.

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