Quick overview chart of scholarly or peer-reviewed journals vs. popular magazines developed by the University of Michigan Shapiro Library.
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Journal [scholarly] |
Magazine [popular] |
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Content |
Detailed report of original research or experiment. |
Secondary report or discussion may include personal narrative, opinion, anecdotes. |
|
Author |
Author's credentials are given, usually a scholar with subject expertise. |
Author may or may not be named; often a professional writer; may or may not have subject expertise. |
|
Audience |
Scholars, researchers, students. |
General public; the interested non-Specialist. |
|
Language |
Specialized terminology or jargon of the field; requires prior knowledge. |
Vocabulary in general usage; understandable to most readers. |
|
References |
Bibliography Required. All quotes and facts can be verified. |
Rare. Scanty, if any, information about sources. |
|
Examples |
Developmental Psychology, Journal of Abnormal Psychology. Almost anything with Journal in the title. Usually come with memberships in scholarly societies and are only available in libraries or by subscription. |
Psychology Today, Discover, news magazines. Almost anything available |
P - Patient or Population: Describes the most important characteristics of the patient
I - Intervention: Describes the main intervention
C - Comparison: If appropriate, describes the main alternative being considered
O - Outcome: Describes what you are trying to accomplish, measure, improve or affect
T - Time: time for the intervention to achieve the outcome