What is a scholarly journal? A scholarly journal is a publication issued on a regular basis that presents in-depth articles written by scholars and leading experts in a professional field. Articles are peer reviewed by other professionals and specialists in the field for accuracy in the content.
What is meant by peer review? Peer reviewed articles are reviewed by professionals in a field to be sure the information meets the standards of the discipline.
What is a general interest/popular magazine? A general interest/popular magazine is a publication issued on a regular basis that typically presents general interest and popular issues. Articles in this type of publication are written by staff writers, freelance writers or journalists, not experts, and the material usually geared toward the average reader (someone with a high school education).
Why would I want to use material from a scholarly publication for my research? It is important that you become familiar with the scholarly research in your field of study so that you can continue to update yours skills after graduation. Many of your professors will require you to use scholarly, peer reviewed journals for your sources of information in your assignments.
Use the following criteria to distinguish a scholarly publication from a popular publication:
Scholarly Journal
Reports original research or experimentation
Articles written by an expert in the field for other experts in the field
Articles use specialized jargon of the discipline
Articles undergo peer review process before acceptance for publication in order to assure creative content
Authors of articles always cite their sources in the form of footnotes or bibliographies
Examples of scholarly journals: American Sociological Review Science
General Interest/Popular Magazine
Provides information in a general manner to a broad audience
Articles generally written by a member of the editorial staff or a free lance writer
Language of articles geared to any educated audience, no subject expertise assumed
Articles are often heavily illustrated, and meant to entertain
No peer review process
Source of information rarely cited
Examples of general interest magazines: Newsweek Psychology Today
