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MLA Handbook by In the research databases, there are tools that help you filter your article search specifically for the source formats of scholarly journals, magazines or newspapers. Still it is helpful to know the characteristics of the periodical literature you will encounter either in print or online as you do research. Of course information from scholarly journals is the best for academic research!
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Scholarly/ |
Popular Magazines |
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Article Type |
In-depth research articles, often peer-reviewed; usually includes an abstract; may be brief news of developments in the field or recent research, academic book reviews |
Brief, nontechnical, current events, news; quick facts; short interviews, brief book reviews, ads |
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Purpose |
To provide information about, report, or present original research or experiments |
To provide general information to, entertain, or persuade the general public |
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Authors |
Clearly defined; experts with significant knowledge in the subject area, scholars, and researchers |
Not always identified; staff writers |
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Audience |
Professors, researchers, and students, members of association; other professionals in the field |
General |
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Publisher |
Typically a university or professional association |
Typically commercial |
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Writing Style |
Formal or semiformal; scholarly language; may use technical or specialized language |
Informal; language is easy to understand |
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Documentation |
Footnotes or endnotes; bibliography; suggested resources for more information |
None |
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Illustrations/ |
May include tables, graphs, charts, or equations to support the research |
Often includes glossy photographs, ads, images |
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Examples |
Sloan Management Review, Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, Journal of Computer Information Systems, Journal of American History |
Time, Newsweek, Business Week, Psychology Today, PC World, Washington Post |