What's the Difference?
Journal, Magazine, Trade and Newspaper Articles
When selecting articles for research, it is important to distinguish
between journal, magazine, newspaper and trade articles. The chart
below is meant to help you in this process. Journal articles are often
referred to as “academic” or “scholarly”.
MAGAZINE
ARTICLE
(POPULAR) |
Description /
Content |
- Main purpose is to entertain, sell products or promote a viewpoint.
- Information
provided is usually of current or general interest.
- Often
heavily illustrated with many advertisements.
|
| Author |
- Usually a staff writer or a journalist,
- May or may not have subject expertise,
- Name and credentials often NOT provided.
|
| Audience |
- Appeal to the general public,
- Articles tend to be short –less than 5 pages,
- No consistent format.
|
Bibliography /
References |
- Little, if any, information about sources is provided.
|
| Examples |
|
JOURNAL
ARTICLE
(Scholarly)
|
Description /
Content |
- Main purpose is to report results of original research.
- Articles
usually have narrow subject focus.
- Articles critically
evaluated by panel of experts in the field of research (peer-reviewed).
|
| Author |
- Author is an expert or specialist in the field.
- Author’s
position and affiliation will be provided.
|
| Audience |
- Researchers, scientists, students, professionals.
|
Bibliography /
References |
- Sources always cited in detail and at length.
- Consistent
formatting includes an abstract (brief summary), discussion,
results and conclusion.
- Articles usually longer than 5
pages.
|
| Examples |
- Journal of Abnormal Psychology
- Business and Education Research
|
| NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
|
Description /
Content |
- Main purpose is to provide readers with a good account of
current events locally, nationally or internationally.
- Can
be published daily, semiweekly or weekly.
- Can provide introduction
to current topics.
|
| Author |
- Articles are usually written by journalists.
- May or may
not have subject expertise.
|
| Audience |
|
Bibliography /
References |
- Little, if any, information about sources is provided.
|
| Examples |
- Toronto Star
- Globe and Mail
|
Trade
Magazine
Article |
Description /
Content |
- Main purpose is to update and inform readers on current trends
in a specific industry or trade.
- May have photos and numerous
advertisements, but still assume understand specific jargon
of the profession.
|
| Author |
- Professionals working in the specific industry or trade.
- Usually published by an association.
|
| Audience |
- Members of a specific industry or trade.
- Professionals, professors, students.
|
Bibliography /
References |
- May or may not provide information about sources.
|
| Examples |
- Speechwriter’s Newsletter
- Advertising Age
|
