As a student or researcher, you have probably come across these two terms countless times and may even use them interchangeably, but do you really know what sets them apart?
An article is a written piece of work on a specific topic that can be published in various formats, while a journal is a periodical publication that contains articles and research papers written by experts in a particular field.
Article vs. Journal
| Article | Journal |
|---|---|
| Article is a written piece on a specific topic, often published in various formats such as magazines, newspapers, or online. | Journal is a periodical publication that contains articles and research papers written by experts in a particular field. |
| It generally focuses on a specific aspect or topic related to a larger subject area. | It generally focuses on a specific subject area or field of study. |
| Articles can vary greatly in length, from a few hundred words to several thousand. | Journal articles are usually longer than articles in other publications, often ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 words. |
| It can be written for a general audience or a specific audience, depending on the publication. | It is typically written for a specialized audience, such as academics or professionals in a particular field. |
| Articles may or may not undergo peer review, depending on the publication. | Journals generally require articles to undergo a rigorous peer review process before publication. |
| It can be published on a daily, weekly, monthly, or irregular basis, depending on the publication. | It is usually published on a regular schedule, such as monthly or quarterly. |
| Articles can be cited in a variety of formats, depending on the publication and style guide. | Journal articles typically follow a specific citation format, such as APA or MLA style. |
- Internal vs. External Economies of Scale
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Definition of an article
An article is a written piece that is published in a journal or magazine. It is typically shorter than a journal article and focuses on one specific topic.
An article may be written by a scholar or researcher, or it may be written by a journalist.
Definition of a journal
A journal is a periodical publication that contains articles and research papers written by experts in a particular field.
Journals often focus on specific academic or professional fields and publish articles that present original research, review and analyze existing research, or offer commentary and analysis on current issues and trends within the field.
They are typically written for a specialized audience, such as academics or professionals, and undergo a rigorous peer review process before publication to ensure their quality and accuracy.
Similarities between articles and journals
- Both articles and journals provide information on a specific topic or subject.
- Both can be published in print or online formats.
- Both can be accessed by a variety of audiences, depending on the publication.
- Both may require the author to adhere to specific formatting or citation styles.
- Both can contribute to a person’s knowledge and understanding of a particular field or topic.
Benefits of reading both articles and journals
Benefits of reading articles:
- Provides access to current news and events.
- Enhances reading and comprehension skills.
- Increases exposure to a variety of topics and ideas.
- Can provide entertainment and relaxation.
- Can inspire creative and critical thinking.
Benefits of reading journals:
- Offers in-depth and authoritative coverage of a specific field or topic.
- Provides access to original research and findings.
- Helps to stay current with developments and advancements in a particular field.
- Enhances critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Helps to improve writing skills through exposure to academic writing style and language.
Examples of different types of articles and journals
News articles: These are typically shorter pieces that report on current events. They can be found in both online and print news sources.
Feature articles: These are longer pieces that offer in-depth reporting on a particular subject. They are often found in magazines.
Scholarly articles: These are usually published in academic journals and contain original research or reviews of existing research.
Trade publications: These cater to specific industries and professionals within those industries. They often include news, features, analysis, and more.
Differences between articles and journals
- Purpose: Articles are usually written to inform or entertain a general audience, while journals are typically written to advance knowledge in a specific field or subject area.
- Authorship: Articles can be written by journalists, writers, or anyone with expertise on a subject, while journal articles are usually written by scholars or researchers with a high level of expertise in a particular field.
- Content: Articles often cover a broad range of topics, while journal articles tend to focus on specific research or studies related to a particular field.
- Format: Articles can be written in a variety of formats, such as news stories, opinion pieces, or personal essays, while journal articles generally follow a standard format with sections for abstracts, introductions, methods, results, and conclusions.
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Conclusion
Articles provide general information while journals offer more in-depth knowledge, providing readers with a comprehensive look at a given topic. Both article and journal are useful sources of scholarly material that can help students gain perspective on new topics or build upon existing research.
