Evaluating journal types is an important part of the research process. This page provides an overview of three journal types, criteria to help the identification process, and basic characteristics of each. Watch the video introduction, then explore the characteristics for each journal type to learn more.
Click on the journal cover to view resource in OhioLINk's Electronic Journal Center (EJC)
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Written by experts in the field Author credentials are noted, affiliation detailed Peer reviewed Writing is well researched, advanced reading level Abstracts and/or summaries Contains data, charts, and graphics Article often is lengthy, multiple pages Citations, references, and/or bibliography are presented No advertisements Published by professional organization |
Lee, J. H., Portillo, M., & Meneely, J. (2020). Insights into three frames of creative minds: Igniting perspective transformation among first-year university students. Journal of Transformative Education, 18(2), 138-162.
Click on the journal cover to view resource in Education Research Complete
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Written by professionals in the field Author credentials are noted, affiliation detailed Reviewed by journal editors Writing is professional, vocabulary specific to field General abstract or summary provided May contain data, charts, and/or graphics Article is several pages long Citations, references and/or bibliography may be presented May contain advertisements specific to journal or field Published by professional organization |
Click on the journal cover to view resource in Academic Search Complete.
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Written by magazine staff and/or journalists Author credentials are not presented, noted as by-line Edited and revised by staff Writing is less formal, highly readable Introduction or teaser header to article in place Contains photographs and/or illustrations Article may be single page or portion of a page No citations or references are in place Numerous advertisements are presented Published commercially |
General criteria are available to help determine if periodicals and journals are scholarly, often called peer-reviewed journals, practitioner / professional journals, or popular magazines.
Consider such things as:
Authority - Who wrote the article? What qualifications or credentials do they have regarding subject?
Content - What style of writing is used? Is it objective or trying to sell you something? Is it fact or opinion?
Audience - Who is the intended reader? What reading level is the article (advanced, general)?
Citation - Is the article properly cited? Does it have a bibliography or footnotes?
Review Process - Has the article been reviewed by subject specialists?
