Magazines vs. Journals
The following is a list of indicators of professional journals. Please be reminded that not all professional journals have all of these characteristics. Should you have questions, you may wish to consult your instructor.
- The word journal, archives, acta, society or annals appears in the title.
- Advertisements are accepted only if they publicize other scholarly publications, announce conferences and symposia, or concern products of professional interest.
- The sponsoring agency is a professional association, a learned society, a research center or institute, or a university.
- An abstract which describes the nature and results of each study
appears at the beginning of each article.
- Cited references appear at the end of the articles or at the bottom of each page.
- The journal is indexed in a scholarly, rather than popular, index.
- Editorial boards, international editors, advisory boards and the like, whose credentials or institutional affiliations are often indicated, are listed inside the front cover.
- Illustrations and photographs are included only as part of a scholarly article or if they constitute an original aesthetic contribution.
- Most professional journals are refereed--reviewed by peers. Ulrich's International Periodicals Directory (v. 4) has a list of refereed journals.
Examples of Professional Journals Vs. Popular Magazines
| Professional Journals | Popular Magazines |
|---|---|
| American Psychologist | Psychology Today |
| Journal of Black Studies | Ebony |
| Women's Studies Quarterly | Ladies' Home Journal |
| Journal of American History | Time |
| Journal of Sport History | Sports Illustrated |
| Critical Quarterly | Saturday Evening Post |
| Acta Sociologica | People Weekly |
| JAMA | Health |