SOC 251--Modern Social Problems/Roberts: What is a scholarly journal?

Journal articles are usually reports of empirical studies, literature reviews, theoretical articles, methodological articles, or case studies.

Common characteristics include:

• „Originality—to report on research, analysis, interpretation & to communicate new ideas, theories, or experimental results

• „Intended Audience—scientists, physicians, historians, professors, teachers, and other professionals 

• „Sponsorship—professional organization/society

• „Editorial and Peer Review—articles are critically evaluated for scholarship by peers and/or professional editors

• „Publication Frequency—often monthly or quarterly

• „Pagination—often continuous for an entire volume

• „Article format & length—often contain abstracts, bibliographies, footnotes & articles are lengthy

• „Illustrations—few, but look for charts & graphs