When conducting research it is important to distinguish between journal articles and magazine articles.
Always check with your instructor for which types of articles are acceptable for your coursework.
Review the chart below for general criteria to distinguish the different types of periodicals.
| Criteria | Academic Journal | Popular Magazine | Trade Publication | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front Cover |  |
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| Appearance |
Plain cover and plain paper Images are illustrations, charts, table, etc. Pages consecutive throughout volume. |
Eye-catching cover and glossy paper Pictures, photos and illustrations in full color Each issue starts with page 1 |
Cover depicts industrial theme or setting; glossy paper Pictures, photos and illustrations in color Each issue starts with page 1 |
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| Audience | Academics and professionals | General public | Members of a specific business, industry or organization | |||
| Authors | Experts or specialists, professors or researchers. Unpaid. | Journalists, staff or freelance writers. may be unsigned. Paid. | Staff writers, industry specialists, or vendor representatives. Paid. | |||
| Editorial Reviews |
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Professional editors. Paid. | Professional editors. Paid. | |||
| References/Works Cited | Almost always | Rarely | Sometimes | |||
| Content | Reports of results of research projects, essays, methodology and theory, reviews of academic books | Popular culture, celebrities, news and general interest | Industry trends, new products or techniques, advice, first-hand reports of practical experiences, organizational news | |||
| Advertisements | Related to Field of Study | Many variety of products and sources | Moderate; most are trade or training related | |||
| Examples |
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