Psychology: What is a scholarly journal?

„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

Refereed symbol--YES

Serial type--Journal

Content type--Academic / Scholarly

• Content type determines if a publication is scholarly

• Trade journals often look similar to scholarly publications, but do not contain actual research

• VERIFY every title you use for research

Refereed symbol--usually NO (however, some trade titles are peer-reviewed)

Serial type--Trade Publication or Magazine

Content type--Magazine

• Magazines often look similar, so beware

• VERIFY the title if you use it in your Works Cited Page