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Marketing for Entrepreneurs: Scholarly/Peer Reviewed Articles

Pro Tip

When referring to articles, the terms "scholarly" and "peer reviewed" usually mean the same thing. Peer review means that other scholars in the field check the article for errors, missing information, citations, etc. before it is published. Other terms that are used less frequently but mean the same thing are "academic" and "referreed". 

Types of Periodicals: Journals, Magazines, and Trade Magazines

image of scholarly versus popular

Scholarly:  Academic, in-depth peer-reviewed articles, original research by experts, bibliographies.

Popular:  Current events, people stories, aimed for general audience.

Chart above courtesy of Lettycia Terrones

 

Chart below courtesy of Cynthia Bruns

Scholarly Journals Popular Magazines Trade Magazines
ADVERTISING

Few or no advertisements

Extensive advertising

Extensive advertising
AUDIENCE

Scholars and college students

General; broad-based

Working Professionals
AUTHOR

Scholars & researchers

Staff and freelance writers

Professionals and staff
BIBLIOGRAPHY

Articles: long bibliographies

None

Might have a short bibliography
LANGUAGE/TONE

Academic, research-oriented

Simple language

Professional terminology
LENGTH OF ARTICLE

Can be 6-40 pages

Varies; often short

Varies, often short
OVERALL APPEARANCE
  • Few or no pictures
  • Text w/statistics
  • Few colors
  • Extensive pictures
  • Glossy
  • Colorful
  • Extensive pictures
  • Glossy
  • Colorful
PUBLISHER

University or professional

For-profit, commercial

Professional organizations
EXAMPLES
  • American Journal of Sociology
  • Social Problems
  • Crime and Delinquency
  • Journal of Sociology

Scholarly journals are expensive and available through academic libraries.AJS journal cover

  • Time
  • Newsweek
  • Discover
  • Sports Illustrated
  • InStyle

Magazines are available in bookstores and stores.

Newsweek cover

  • Corrections Today
  • Police Chief
  • Beverage World
  • American Libraries
  • Fast Food Times

Trade magazines come with membership in a professional organization.Police Chief journal cover

Librarian

Profile Photo
Robert Sage
He/Him
Contact:
rsage@fullerton.edu
(657)278-4057