Distinguishing Scholarly from Non-Scholarly Periodicals

Journals and magazines are important sources for up-to-date information in all disciplines. It may sometimes be difficult to distinguish between scholarly journals and magazines. In this guide we will review the major differences between these two sources.

Definitions: Webster's Third International Dictionary defines "scholarly" as: 1)concerned with academic study, especially research, 2)exhibiting the methods and attitudes of a scholar, and 3) having the manner and appearance of a scholar. "Substantive" is defined as "having a solid base, being substantial." "Popular" means "fit for, or reflecting the taste and intelligence of the people at large." "Sensational" is defined as "arousing or intending to arouse strong curiosity, interest or reaction." Keeping these definitions in mind, and realizing that none of the lines drawn between types of journals can ever be totally clear cut, we can say that in general the criteria are as follows:

Scholarly

Scholarly journals generally have a sober, serious look. They often contain many graphs
    and charts but few glossy pages or exciting pictures.
Scholarly journals always cite their sources in the form of footnotes or bibliographies.
Articles are written by a scholar in the field or by someone who has done research in the
    field.
The language is technical and subject specific. It assumes scholarly background on
    the part of the reader.
The main purpose of a scholarly journal is to report on original research or experimentation
    in order to
    make such information available to the rest of the scholarly world.
Many scholarly journals, though by no means all, are published by a specific professional
    organization.
Articles submitted for publication follow strict formats and are peer reviewed.
They almost always have an abstract (brief summary of the research findings).
Most scholarly journal subscriptions are very expensive.

Examples:

     American Economic Review
     Archives of Sexual Behavior
     JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association
     Journal of Marriage and Family
     Modern Fiction Studies
     Sex Roles: A Journal of Research

Substantive News or General Interest

These periodicals may be quite attractive in appearance, although some are in newspaper
     format. Articles are often heavily illustrated, generally with photographs.
News and general interest periodicals sometimes cite sources, a scholar or a free lance
    writer.
The language of these publications is geared to any educated audience. There is no
    special training assumed, only interest and a certain level of intelligence.
They are generally published by commercial enterprises or individuals, although some
    emanate from specific professional organizations.
The main purpose of periodicals in this category is to provide information, in a general
     manner, to a broad audience of concerned citizens.

Examples:

       Christian Science Monitor
       Economist
       National Geographic
       New York Times
       Scientific American
       Vital Speeches of the Day

Popular

Popular periodicals come in many formats, although they are often somewhat slick and
     attractive in appearance. Lots of graphics (photographs, drawings, etc.).
These publications rarely, if ever, cite sources. Information published in such journals is
     second or third hand and the original source is sometimes obscure.
Articles are usually very short, written in simple language and are designed to meet a
     minimal education level. There is generally little depth to the content of these articles.
Articles are written by staff members or free-lance writers.
The main purpose of popular periodicals is to entertain the reader, to sell products (their
     own or their advertisers'), and/or to promote a viewpoint.

Examples:

       Ebony
       Parents
       People Weekly
       Reader's Digest
       Sports Illustrated
       Time
       Vogue

Sensational

Sensational periodicals come in a variety of styles, but often use a newspaper format.
The language is elementary and occasionally inflammatory or sensational. They assume
     a certain gullibility in their audience.
The main purpose of sensational magazines seems to be to arouse curiosity and to cater
      to popular superstitions. They often do so with flashy headlines designed to astonish
      (e.g.. "Half-man Half-woman Makes Self Pregnant").

Examples:

        Globe
        National Examiner
        Star
        Weekly World News

Alba Reynaga
Reference Librarian

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