The table below shows some of the differences between a peer-reviewed journal and a popular magazine.
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Peer reviewed journal |
Popular magazine |
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Author |
Author of the article is always listed and credentials cited. |
Articles usually written by staff or freelance reporter. Often they are not identified. |
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Audience |
Academic or professional e.g. lecturers, researchers and students. |
Articles are intended for the general public and non-professionals. |
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Content |
Research projects, methodology, and theory. Usually an abstract at the beginning of the articles. Articles will have bibliographies and/or footnotes. |
Articles are often short, fewer than 5 pages. Often full of advertisements. Seldom contain a bibliography or footnotes. |
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Purpose |
Inform other scholars and students in higher education of new research and findings. |
Entertainment. Inform the public of current trends and news in various popular subject areas. Sell products or persuade the reader. Make money. |
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Terminology |
Assumes prior knowledge of subject. |
Simple, assuming no prior knowledge. |
| Availability | By paid subscription. Often available from online databases. | Newsagents, supermarkets, delicatessens. |
