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PE 200: Foundations of Physical Education - Knutson

Scholarly vs Trade vs Popular

When conducting research it is important to distinguish between journal articles and magazine articles. Journal articles are typically referred to as "scholarly," while magazine articles are usually considered "popular". A third category, "trade" magazines or journals, are written for professionals in a particular field but are not strictly research related. Below are additional criteria to consider when differentiating between journals and magazines.

Criteria Scholarly Journal Trade Journal/Magazine Popular Magazine
Sample Title

Picture of journal of Food and science technology

Picture of food management journal/magazine

Picture of bon appetit magazine

Audience Academics, researchers, students People in the business, professionals General public
Authors

Experts or specialists, professors.

Unpaid.

Staff writers, industry specialists, vendor representatives.

Paid.

Journalists, staff writers, freelance writers.

Paid.

Editorial/Review

Editorial board and peer review.

Unpaid.

Edited for content, format, and style.

Professional editors.

Paid.

Not peer reviewed; edited for format and style.

Professional editors.

Paid.

Edited for format and style.

References Required. Occasional, brief lists. Rare.
       
Content In-depth, primary account of original findings written by the researcher(s); very specific information with the goal of scholarly communication. Current news, trends, and products in a specific industry; practical information for professionals working in the field or industry. Secondary discussion of someone else's research; may include personal narrative or opinion; general information with the purpose of entertaining.
Language Specialized terminology or jargon of the field; requires expertise in the subject area. Specialized terminology or jargon of the field, but not as technical as a scholarly journal. General use vocabulary; easily understood to most readers.
Graphics Graphs, charts, and tables; very few advertisements and photographs. Photographs; some graphics and charts; advertisements targeted to professional field. May have graphs, charts, and tables; lots of glossy advertisements and photographs.

Layout &

Organization

Structured; includes an abstract, goals and objectives, methodology, results or evidence, discussion, conclusion, and references. Informal; evidence is drawn from personal experience or common knowledge. Informal; may include non-standard formatting. May not have supporting evidence or a conclusion.
Other Examples

Journal of Mathematics Education
Journal of Abnormal Psychology
History of Education Quarterly
Library & Information Science Research

Architectural Record
PC World
Restaurant Business
American Libraries
Psychology Today
School Band and Orchestra
Sports Illustrated
National Geographic
Newsweek
Ladies Home Journal
Cooking Light
Discover

Based on Scholarly vs. Popular Materials by Amy VanScoy, NCSU Library

license for creative commons

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