Criteria |
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 |