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:
Journal of Asian Studies
Psychophysiology
Social Research
A note about "peer review." Peer review insures that the research reported in a journal's article is sound and of high quality. Sometimes the term "refereed" is used instead of peer review.
Discusses practical information in industry
Contains news, product information, advertising, and trade articles
Contains information on current trends in technology
Articles usually written by experts in the field for other experts in the field
Articles use specialized jargon of the discipline
Useful to people in the trade field and to people seeking orientation to a vocation
Examples:
Advertising Age
Independent Banker
People Management
Provides information in a general manner to a broad audience
Articles generally written by a member of the editorial staff or a freelance writer
Language of articles geared to any educated audience, no subject expertise assumed
Articles are often heavily illustrated, generally with photographs
No peer review process
Sources are sometimes cited, but more often there are no footnotes or bibliography
Examples:
Newsweek
Popular Science
Psychology Today
Articles are short and written in simple language with little depth to the content of these articles
The purpose is generally to entertain, not necessarily inform
Information published in popular magazines is often second-or third-hand
The original source of information contained in articles is obscure
Articles are written by staff members or freelance writers
Examples:
People
Rolling Stone
Working Woman