Evaluating and identifying 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.
Peer review is evaluation of professional work, such as journal articles, studies, and papers, conducted by professionals working in the same field. It is a process used to assess quality and validity of work. Definitions of peer review may vary by discipline and academic journal.
"A peer-reviewed publication is also sometimes referred to as a scholarly publication. The peer-review process subjects an author's scholarly work, research, or ideas to the scrutiny of others who are experts in the same field (peers) and is considered necessary to ensure academic scientific quality." - U.S. Geological Survey (Science)
"Peer review is the system used to assess the quality of a manuscript before it is published. Independent researchers in the relevant research area assess submitted manuscripts for originality, validity and significance to help editors determine whether a manuscript should be published in their journal." - Biomed Central (Journal, Springer)
"Peer review is the independent assessment of your research paper by experts in your field. The purpose of peer review is to evaluate the paper’s quality and suitability for publication." - Taylor & Francis (Publisher)
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?
