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The characteristics of different periodicals

Scholarly journals Trade/professional journals Popular magazines
Aim at scholars within the field Aim at professionals within the field Aim at the public
Present the results of research Present information for those who work within a certain profession Main aim is to inform and entertain the readers
Reviewers (referees) evaluate the articles prior to publication (peer reviewed) Evaluated by the editor Evaluated by the editor
The editors are usually well-established researchers The editors are usually professionals within the field Editor at the publishing firm
The authors are usually researcher affiliated with a university or research institute The authors are professionals within the field The articles are usually written by reporters of the magazine or freelance writers
Are published by universities or academic associations/publishers e often published by professional associations Are usually published by commercial publishers
Often illustrated with tables and diagrams, rarely with pictures Occasionally illustrated Often illustrated
The articles are usually long, contains footnotes and reference lists The sources are rarely stated and footnotes and reference lists are seldom included The articles are usually short and seldom contains footnotes or reference lists
Technical language Language which includes som technical terminology but still easily comprehensible Easy-to-understand language
Few ads, if any The ads are directed towards professionals within the field The ads are directed towards the general public
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Content checked / updated 2010-11-15

| Administered by: Stefan Carlstein