Types of Journals
At least four (4) different types of journals published that cater to research and academic needs. Some of the most popular journals are available at online or offline libraries. Such journals are quite easy to access by students, faculties, or other members of the academic and non-academic community.
Others may have different subscription packages (only accessible to members of research or academic community) and may be paid or free to use. In this article, we will see in-depth information about the types of journals and other related information about these publications.
1. Scientific/Academic Journals
Most scientific and academic journals follow the IMRaD (Introduction, Materials/Methods (or Methodology), Results, and Discussion) template.
Scientific and academic journals usually publish papers with significant additions to an existing body of knowledge or provide novel information about related topics. The aim of these journals is to provide in-depth analysis focused to answer crucial questions through uniform or different perspectives.
Features of scientific and academic journals
- Designed to report authentic study and research findings with a defined structure of sections,
- Must have an abstract and citations with a bibliography/references at the end of every published paper,
- Often publishes periodical releases,
- Usually deals with a specific discipline per journal,
- Its contents target students, tutors, researchers, and other members of the scientific or academic community,
- Usually undergoes stringent control tests before publication in form of peer reviews or extensive editorials,
- Typically differs from other regular styles of writing; its manuscripts usually follow a pre-defined pattern,
Writers of scientific and academic journals must ensure their writing follows predefined guidelines. Journals specific to a discipline usually determine the structure of articles posted in its releases.
Scientific or academic journals are usually based on subscription access for members of an educational or research institution. However, more scientific and academic journals continue to offer their published papers at no cost to readers.
These open access journals usually provide support to readers determined to acquire more knowledge. It also grants interested readers access to share or discuss new findings with colleagues or faculty members.
2. Opinion/Current Affairs Magazines
Opinion or current affairs magazines are journals known for offering deep insight into different topics. They are quite different from regular magazines, even if they share some similarities. These journals do not require any academic contributions and may be a part of special editions of newspaper dailies.
Opinion or current affairs magazines aim to cover different topics readers may find interesting. However, topics on some of these magazines could receive heavy influence from its owners or editorial board.
There is no peer review process required to post content in opinion or current affairs magazines.
Hence, some opinion magazines may contain incorrect or biased information. The leanings (ideological, political, philosophical, or otherwise) of editorial boards could also make these magazines underreport pressing topics to divert the attention of their audience.
Opinion and current affairs magazines are also accessible in other places apart from special newspaper releases. Some of these magazines are easy to access in public libraries, some school libraries, and from newsvendors or licensed distributing agents.
3. Trade Journals
Trade journals are suitable to publish papers with information about professional issues about specific fields. Common trade journals post articles with information about technology, advertising, and many other topics.
These journals target particular members of a profession or business. It is common for some trade journals to be subscription-only; however, many of these releases may be open access.
Trade journals usually publish papers that talk about recent advancements, new guidelines, techniques, and anything else related to a specific industry. There is no need for articles to pass through peer reviews before publishing on these journals.
Articles posted on trade journals usually undergo internal evaluation by an editorial team. The editorial team of such journal publishers assess contents of such articles to see if they are in line with predefined guidelines.
4. Newspaper
Newspapers are broadsheets that provide readers with information about latest news across sectors and other topics. Newspapers usually cover breaking stories about politics, innovation, entertainment, culture, sports, and much more. These serials usually contain breaking news, opinion pieces, and analyses by qualified contributors from various fields.
Newspapers are daily releases and easily accessible by the public. They are usually low-cost and provide a balanced view of all daily developments written in a simple format for all potential readers.
Types of Journal Articles
Five (5) types of journal articles exist and they are:
Case Studies:
These articles show information about the chances of a particular event taking place. Most health science journals publish case studies concerning the occurrence of novel pathologies and intervention methods.
Methodologies or Methods:
These reports show information about new methods for research or an improved version of an existing tool. Also, these articles report advances and how they differ from proven methods already in use.
Original Research:
These are common manuscripts used to publish whole reports based on data used in a research. They are published in many fields and usually adopt the IMRaD (Introduction, Methodology, Results, and Discussion) format.
Review Articles:
These reports provide information about a certain topic and provide insight into existing topics. Reviews usually cite over fifty (50) research works in its report and aim to show where a research is heading.
Short reports:
These reports communicate information about data from original studies. They are also known as letters, short communications, or briefs. Editors usually write short reports when they feel the information will be valuable to scholars and researchers.
These letters also target further research about a particular field, discipline, or topic. An editor can highlight where further studies are necessary in a research concerning a certain topic. Letters are brief and usually aim to stimulate research in fast-evolving fields or topics.
Publishers usually set the length of letters. Journal publishers also set the length limits of these papers to ensure authors do not publish vital details before writing a full report. The length restrictions usually force editors and authors to write these letters after a journal publishes the original research manuscript.
Final Word
Journals provide readers with access to knowledge and information about different topics. The journal you prefer to publish your articles in will determine some sections of your manuscript. Ensure your articles meet the set guidelines of your preferred publisher and it will become easier to see your research posted for broad access to interested scholars or non-academic readers.