Frequently periodicals are divided into two categories: Scholarly or Non-scholarly, though it might be more useful to consider three categories: Scholarly, Professional or Popular. These categories are not definitive and opinions as to where a journal or an article falls will differ. Your professor must be the final authority on what is considered appropriate and acceptable for your assignment. Understanding the differences between, and being able to identify, the various types of periodicals is crucial to the research process.

One major criteria to consider: is the journal Peer-reviewed or Refereed. When a journal is peer-reviewed it means that a panel of experts in the field have reviewed the journal article for quality and accuracy before it isaccepted for publication. Note: Very nearly all scholarly journals are peer-reviewed, but not all peer-reviewed journals can be considered scholarly.

	Scholarly	Professional	Popular
Examples
Characteristics	peer-reviewed contains original research lengthy with in-depth analysis uses scholarly/technical language author creditials provided cites sources	sometimes peer-reviewed reports on developments & trends within discipline or industry varied length articles uses some technical language author creditials may be provided often cites sources	not peer-reviewed covers current events & pop culture varied length articles written for general public seldom signed by author rarely cites sources
Written by	Scholars or researchers in the field who usually have an advanced degrees (PhD and/or Masters)	Scholars or professionals who have education and experience in the field	Journalists, freelance writers or publication's staff
Written for	Academic community	Academic and Professional community	General Public
Published by	Scholarly societies/associations or academic presses	Professional associations, foundations	Mostly commercial companies for profit