Types of Periodicals and Journals

Have you been assigned to limit your search to scholarly journals, or "refereed" journals? The table below can help you to distinguish among scholarly or professional/trade journals, and popular periodicals. 

Sometimes these sources are primary sources while other times they may be secondary sources. Don't know the difference between the two types? See Primary vs. Secondary Sources: What's the Difference?

Still need a helping hand? Spend a minute on the "What's A Journal" Minute Module and see the differences between different kinds of media.

Criteria   Scholarly Journals   Professional/Trade Journals   Popular Periodicals/ Magazines
Who is the intended audience?   Researchers and experts   Members of a trade or profession   The general public
Who are the authors?   Researchers and experts   Staff writers and experts in the field   Staff writers, although many articles are unsigned
When is there documentation [are sources cited]?   Always   Sometimes   Almost never 
What is the publication’s purpose?   To disseminate research findings    To publicize current topics in the field and professional issues   To disseminate general information or to entertain
What is the content?   Research reports and methodologies    Trends, standards, and new technologies in the field   General interest stories and news
What kind of language is used?   Jargon that assumes expertise in the field   Jargon that assumes expertise in the field   Language that requires no expertise
Who is the publisher?   Associations or universities   Associations   Commercial organizations
Is the source of the information reliable?   Yes, since the articles undergo blind reviews by other scholars    Yes, since the articles undergo reviews by editorial boards and anonymous reviews   Not necessarily since no reviews are conducted
     
© 2002-2008 University Libraries, The Pennsylvania State University

About This tutorial
Please direct questions to Instructional Programs
Last updated 11/15/06