You will come across many different types of periodicals (journals, magazines, or newspapers) in your research. It is important to understand each type and how it can contribute to your research.
Distinguishing between Different Types of Periodicals
Different types of periodicals will come up in your information search, from academic journals to trade publications, general interest magazines to newspapers.
What do each of these offer you? When it is appropriate to use one versus another type of periodical?
Check out the video below to get a quick explanation about each type of periodical.
Video created by JWU Denver Library
Comparison of Periodicals
Scholarly Journals |
Popular Magazines |
Newspapers |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Example |
 |
 |
 |
Purpose |
Present original research and ideas | Provide general information and entertainment | Present current events and articles of general public interest |
Audience |
Researchers, scholars and professionals in a particular field | General public | General public |
Authors |
Researchers and scholars | Journalists and staff writers | Staff writers and freelance journalists |
Editors |
Reviewed by editorial board or other experts or peers (peer-reviewed) before publication | Magazine editors | Newspaper editors |
Coverage |
Very narrow, specific subjects | Wide variety of topics of public interest | Current events and special features |
Language |
Technical, scholarly language specific to subject | Easy to read and understand with little technical jargon | Easy to read and understand with little to no technical jargon |
References |
Use citations (footnotes, endnotes, or bibliography/references) | Few to no references included | No references |
Articles |
Longer articles usually including an abstract, introduction/literature review, methods, results, and conclusion | Brief, general summaries of a topic, including background information | Generally brief presentations of facts and events, though features can be longer |
Images |
Tables, graphs or illustrations to support research and arguments | Plentiful color illustrations or photos | Some photographs and illustrations or charts |
| Frequency | Bimonthly or quarterly | Weekly or monthly | Daily or weekly |