Scholarly, Trade and Popular Journals
Research paper assignments often require the use of articles from scholarly journals or periodicals, and although there may be research topics for which popular or trade journal articles are appropriate, it is important to know how to distinguish the differences. This guide explains the different types of journals, and how to identify them.
For more information about scholarly publishing, and refereed and non-refereed publications, see the MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing by Joseph Gibaldi (New York, Modern Language Association of America).
Also see the UC Berkeley Library guide on Critical Evaluation of Sources
Compiled by Elizabeth Byrne and Norma Kobzina.
Scholarly Journals
Certain articles are peer-reviewed or refereed (that is, evaluated by specialists or consultants in the field who recommend the manuscript for publishing or not), and often suggest improvements and corrections. These articles generally have greater prestige than articles which are not formally refereed.
- Have an Editorial Board consisting of scholars in that field
- Are often published by a scholarly professional association
- Contains articles written by someone who has conducted research in the field and usually affiliated with a university or research center
- Have articles that may require the reader to have technical or specialized knowledge of the field
- Have articles that may be lengthy and list references in footnotes or end notes, and have bibliographies
- Have editorials and letters to the editor which often can be considered important in their own right
- Contain articles that report on original research or studies, or original interpretations of topics and works
- Have few advertisements (although some will have job listings)
- May have review essays or extended book reviews
Examples: Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians, Landscape History, Journal of the American Planning Association, Landscape and Urban Planning
Trade / Professional Journals
- Have articles that frequently focus on issues associated with a particular business or industry
- Contain articles that usually are not a reflection of original research, but rather generally report on events or issues
- Have articles that generally provide journalistic, rather than academic coverage
- Publish articles that are not peer reviewed
- Often publish job listings
- Contain articles that may have very few or no footnotes
- Usually contain news or information of interest to people in that profession or industry
- Contain advertisements aimed at people in that profession or industry
Examples: Architecture, Architectural Review, Progressive Architecture, Planning, Landscape Architecture, Building Stone Magazine, Construction Specifier, Designer/Builder, Lighting Dimensions
Popular Magazines
- Have articles that are short and written to inform or entertain the general public
- Are often illustrated with many glossy or color photographs
- Contain articles which seldom have footnotes or sources of information
- Use authors who are usually staff members of the magazine or are freelance writers
- Contain advertisements aimed at the general public
- Are available for public purchase (newsstands, supermarkets, etc.)
- Are often illustrated with many glossy or color photographs
Examples: Newsweek, Time, People, Sunset, U.S. News and World Report
Still not sure about a particular title? Consult