| The terms "magazine", "journal". "periodical", and "serial"
are often used interchangeably. However, some distinctions can be made.
"Periodical" is a general term that can be applied to any publication that
is issued periodically e.g. weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually.
Some specific types of periodicals are described below: |
| Type | Characteristics | Examples | |
| Scholarly | - Academic or professional in focus
- Written and edited by experts within a field or discipline - Often includes original research - Uses specialized vocabulary - Include footnotes and bibliographies |
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|
| Substantive News or
General Interest |
- Main purpose is to provide information geared
toward general educated audience
- Sometimes cite sources, sometimes not - Written by editorial staff, freelance writers or scholars - Generally published by commercial enterprises or individuals |
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|
| Popular | - Popular in nature
- Written for a general audience - Usually no footnotes, bibliography |
 |
|
| Sensational | - Language is often elementary and occasionally inflammatory or sensational
- Main purpose seems to be to arouse curiosity, cater to popular
superstitions
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