Journal or Magazine? How to Distinguish
This task is not always solved by hard-and-fast rules. Sometimes it's a judgment call. One person might consider a particular periodical a magazine; another person a journal. Nevertheless, here are some guidelines that can help you make the distinction.
Scholarly Journal |
Magazine |
|
Written for |
Professors and students | General reader |
Written by |
Scholars or experts on the topic | Journalists or professional writers |
Purpose |
To report on research and scholarship | To report on current topics and events, to entertain, persuade |
Layout |
Serious and formal, few colors or advertisements | Glossy paper, advertisements, photos, illustrations |
Article length |
Lengthy and detailed | Short (1-5 pages), little depth or detail |
Articles |
Are signed and include author's credentials Writing style may be scholarly or technical Usually published monthly, quarterly, or once/twice a year Contain citations (footnotes and/or bibliography) documenting sources Usually screened by editorial board or outside experts |
May be signed but no information about the author Written in non-technical language aimed at the general reader Usually published on weekly or monthly basis |
Examples |
Ladies Home Journal U.S. News & World Report |
Compiled by Glenn Ellen Stilling, stillngges@appstate.edu and John Boyd, boydjd@appstate.edu