What’s the difference and why do I need to know?
It can be important to distinguish between the sources you use to find information. Because content and approach can vary so widely (in focus, audience, perspective, and scope), it can help to understand what the different types of periodicals are and what purpose each serves.
Scholarly articles can also be labeled academic, peer-reviewed, or refereed. They are written by academics and researchers who are experts in their field. These scholars are usually employed by colleges, universities, and other research or educational institutions. Writers submit articles to journal editors who then decide whether the article meets the standards of the publication and merits publication. The most prestigious academic journals require each article to go through a peer-review process during which other experts in that field review the article for accuracy and validity. Manuscripts are often returned with comments and recommendations for revision before they are accepted for publication. Examples of scholarly, peer-reviewed journals include:
New England Journal of Medicine
The Reading Teacher
American Historical Review
A word of caution: Not everything published in a scholarly journal is appropriate to use as a resource for research. Book reviews, editorial (opinion) pieces, short news items, etc., do not count as “scholarly articles” (though they can still be valuable pieces in the research process). If you are unsure about using the information you’ve found, be sure to check with a librarian or your professor.
Popular articles are generally written by journalists who are hired by that magazine to write an article on a particular topic. While that journalist may be considered an “expert” on the topic she is writing about, she is covering news, current events, or topic in a general way for a mostly generalized audience. She draws upon her own experience and opinions and what other people have written. Examples of popular literature titles are:
The New York Times
Trade and professional articles are written by people working in a particular field but who aren’t always researchers or professors. These articles are written for people working within a specific area. They usually cover news, events, reports of research, and opinions within the field, but are not written for the general public. Examples of trade publications include:
Journal of Accountancy
Bloomsbury Mineral Economics<
Aviation Week and Space Technology