Is it scholarly?
Distinguishing periodical types
The table below lists some of the distinguishing characteristics among different types of periodicals. Keep in mind:
- These descriptions are only general rules, and as with all rules, there are exceptions.
- Physical appearance can give you clues as to the type of periodical, but it is also important to evaluate the content of each article to determine its credibility and usefulness.
- Look at characteristics in multiple categories, do not base your decision on only one or two!
If you are still unsure whether a periodical is considered an academic/scholarly journal, Ulrich's Periodicals Directory lists all periodicals that are currently being published. For most entries, there is a section called document type that indicates its periodical type. When in doubt, check with your instructor concerning the suitability of a source for your assignment.
For help making decisions for online full-text articles see: Is it scholarly? Distinguishing online periodical types.
CRITERIA |
Scholarly Journals |
Professional and |
Popular and Special |
|---|---|---|---|
Purpose for |
>Inform and report original research >Provide in-depth analysis of issues related to a specific discipline |
>Current trends, news, and research in a specific field > Provide employment & career information |
>Entertain, inform, and persuade without providing in-depth analysis |
General |
>Lengthy articles >Citations, bibliographies >Charts, graphs, tables |
>Some research articles >Statistics and forecasts >Sources cited |
>Articles usually fairly short >Sources generally not cited |
Frequency of |
>Often quarterly |
>Often monthly |
>Usually monthly or weekly |
Author |
>Scholars and professors >Researchers in the field >Author credentials included |
>Scholars >Staff writers >Freelance journalists |
>Freelance journalists >Editorial staff >Authors may not be identified |
Article |
>Generally lengthy >Focus on a narrow subject or piece of research |
>Varying lengths >Research articles >News from the field >"How to" information |
>Usually short >General information, little detail |
Words and |
>Terminology used by scholars in the discipline |
>Language specific to those in a given profession |
>Common language and sentence structure, no jargon |
Physical |
>Usually plain black print on white paper >Rarely photographs, colorful graphics, or advertising |
>Some photographs and graphics >Advertising specific to the discipline |
>Slick and glossy >Many photographs >Extensive advertising |
Updated: 1/03/2007
SKA
