Scholarly vs. Popular

Scholarly Press (often referred to as a "journal" article)

• author's name is listed; is a professional or other expert
• text reports research results, includes specialized vocabulary, is aimed at a scholarly audience
• article includes "references" to other works; often at the end of the text
• hard copy of journal includes very little (or highly specialized) advertising
• journal lists an editorial board composed of scholars in the field (look for the names of the editorial board near table of contents near the front of the journal)
• journal deals exclusively with a limited scholarly field (review table of contents)
• journal is published monthly or less often
• articles are listed in specialized indexes, such as “Expanded Academic Index” or “ Health Reference Center".

Popular Press (often referred to as a "magazine" article)

• author often not listed; is a journalist or lay person
• text reports events or opinions; is aimed at a general audience (easy to read)
• articles rarely include "references" to other works
• hard copy of magazine includes a significant amount of advertising
• magazine lists an editor or editorial board who is a member of the magazine's staff
• magazine deals with current events or a popular field of general interest (review table of contents)
• magazine is published monthly or more often
• articles are listed in indexes such as "Reader's Guide" or "Periodicals Index" or " General Reference Center"