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| Magazine | Academic Journal | Trade Journal* | |
| Audience | General public | Scholars, researchers, students | Professionals in the field |
| References | Rare | Required | Occasionally |
| Author | Journalist | Scholar in the field | Professional in the field |
| Review policy | Edited for format & style by the magazine's editorial staff | Peer-reviewed - evaluated by experts in the field for content, format & style |
Evaluated by editorial staff, who may be experts in the field, for format & style *Some trade journals are also peer-reviewed |
| Appearance | Colorful, glossy, many photographs & advertisements | Lengthy articles, often including charts & graphs, with few or no advertisements | Advertisements are specific to the trade, contains colorful photographs, glossy |
| Content | An overview of a topic, personal narratives, general information, interviews, goal is to entertain or inform the general public | In-depth, primary accounts of original findings, specific information, scholarly communication | Current news, trends, products in a specific industry, practical information for professionals in the field |
| Language | Easily understandable to most readers | Specialized terminology or jargon of the field | Specialized terminology or jargon of the field, but not as technical as an academic journal |
| Example Article | Carla Hayden | "Good Fences Make Good Neighbors"... | The Road to Mastery |
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