Distinguishing between scholarly and non-scholarly sources is important in academic research.
Although not all publications will meet all of the criteria listed below, here is a brief
comparison chart to help you:
|
|
Scholarly Journals |
News/Popular Magazines |
Magazines of Opinion and Commentary |
Professional Journals or Trade Magazines |
|
Purpose
|
Report original research, in-depth analysis, refereed/peer reviewed, substantive reviews
of scholarly books
|
Current events and news, popular culture, short articles, some reviews of popular books
|
Commentary on political, social and religious issues, often specific viewpoint,
substantial book reviews, interviews
|
Current trends and news in particular field, industry forecasts, product information,
biography
|
|
Audience
|
Scholars, researchers, college educated
|
General public
|
Specific interest group, educated
|
Practitioners
|
|
Authors
|
Researchers, academics, scholars, signed articles
|
Journalists, freelance writers
|
Wide variety of authors, writers, specialists
|
Practitioners or journalists with subject expertise
|
|
Writing Style
|
Technical vocabulary of the discipline, peer reviewed/refereed
|
Non-technical daily vocabulary, often simple & entertaining
|
Vocabulary geared to the educated, assumes level of knowledge
|
Jargon of the field used
|
|
Bibliography
|
Extensive footnotes and bibliography
|
Sources often obscure, not cited
|
Variable, sources often cited, but sometimes not provided
|
Sources often cited, but sometimes not provided
|
|
Graphics
|
Graphs, charts, tables, ads very rare
|
Slick/glitzy, many pictures and color ads
|
Wide variation, some have graphics and ads
|
Graphs, illustrations, tables, ads related to industry
|
|
Publisher
|
Professional organizations, universities, scholarly presses, research institutes
|
Commercial or trade
|
Non-profit organizations, trade or commercial
|
Trade or professional associations, sometimes commercial
|
