type of publication in research

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4 Types of Journals and Publications in Research

There are many types of journals being published today that cater to the student, research and academic community. Some of the basic types of journals include academic and scholarly journals, trade journals, popular scientific magazines, and newspapers. Academic and scholarly journals are typically available at libraries where they can be accessed by faculty, students, and research scholars. These types of journals are also often available online either through open access or with different subscription categories for students, researchers, and institutions. Other general publications, scientific and trade magazines, and newspapers are more easily available and can be found at public bookstalls and supermarkets. These are more popular than academic journals as they cater to a wider segment of the population and offer general information and current affairs covering sports, politics, business and entertainment.

Table of Contents

Various types of journal publications across the world

Academic and scientific journals.

These types of journals are periodical, often discipline-specific, publications targeted at researchers, students, and experts in the academic and scientific community. Their main objective is to report and disseminate original research and study findings. These types of research journals maintain strict quality controls prior to publication, putting each research article through a stringent peer review process that checks the overall manuscript quality and validates the research being presented. The style of writing academic articles also differs from more popular magazines and newspapers. Researchers must not only ensure they follow the basic academic writing conventions, but also follow the recommended manuscript structure that comprises of an introduction, methodology, results and discussion, along with an abstract and bibliography. These types of journals in research are eagerly awaited and read by the academic community as they tend to feature significant work that adds to the knowledge in a particular field, from a deep analysis to solve crucial problems to varying perspectives on existing issues. Some well-known examples of academic and scientific journals are the American Sociological Review , Nature, and The British Journal of Social Work .

Apart from the traditional subscription-based journals, the scholarly publishing landscape has seen a surge in open access publishing. These types of journals aid the rapid dissemination of science and serve as platform for researchers and others to freely share, learn from, and discuss new findings. There are broadly three types of journals under the open access peer-reviewed journal category.

(i) Hybrid journals are traditionally subscription-based journals that provide authors with a choice to publish articles as open access on payment of a specified fee. Once paid, the article is made available to the public at no cost to them; however, other articles in this type of journal stay behind paywalls and are accessible only to those with subscriptions.

ii) Mega journals are usually more inclusive in their publishing strategy. These types of journals in research accept submissions across academic disciplines from life sciences to social sciences and arts among others. All submissions to mega journals undergo peer reviews, where the technical and scientific soundness of the work being presented is thoroughly checked. However, lower article processing charges and faster turnaround times than traditional journals 1 make these types of journals a great option for researchers to quickly publish their work and reach a wider audience.

(iii) Overlay journals are slightly different from the above two types of journals as its submissions are curated from various open access repositories. They are not bonafide published journals per se but provide links to the work of researchers on specified open access repositories by providing volume and issue details of the concerned journal. The advantage that these types of journals offer is that they are quality controlled, affordable, and a resourceful source of information. By curating significant research in top publications, these types of journals enable students and researchers worldwide to easily access the most relevant articles across disciplines.

Trade journals

Trade journals publish topical issues and professional matters related to a particular field and are primarily intended for members of a specific business or profession. These types of journal publications cover new trends, techniques, standards, or products in a particular industry. Unlike academic journals, articles published in trade journals do not undergo peer reviews but are instead evaluated by journal editors to ensure adherence to writing style and readability. Advertising Age , Nursing Times and Drug Times are a few examples of trade journals.

Popular scientific magazines

These publications provide information and facts through well-written articles that are designed to be understandable and more interesting for non-academic audiences. Usually, the topics cover contemporary findings and new information stemming from early research work like developments in green technology, climate change, and sustainable agricultural practices. These types of journal publications are targeted at a wider cross section of readers to bring them up to date on developments across various fields of science. Some of the more popular scientific magazines include National Geographic , Discover Magazine, and The Scientist .

These are general broadsheets that inform readers about recent developments; they are usually published daily and cover a range of topics such as politics, economics, science, culture, society, entertainment, and sports. It also contains news, analysis and opinion pieces by prominent experts across different fields. Newspapers are the most accessed and read by the general public not only because they are low cost but more importantly because they provide a good overview of day-to-day developments across various fields written in a way that is simple to understand. The Washington Post , The New York Times, and The Telegraph are a few of the popular newspapers.

Whatever the type of journal publication , they all have one thing in common – they play a critical role in and contribute to the sharing of information and knowledge among readers.

Adewusi, D. What Is a Mega Journal? Characteristics & Examples. Science & Research, Scientific Editing [Accessed Jan 1, 2023] https://www.scientific-editing.info/blog/what-is-a-mega-journal/

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Different kinds of sources

An important foundation for information searching on an academic level is knowledge about how research results are published.

As a rule, research refers to previous scientific work in order to develop and critically evaluate one's own results as well as the results of others. It is the task of the researcher to thoroughly describe the process used to reach the study results. Moreover, there should be clear references to the sources the researcher has used to build arguments so that readers can check these in order to form their own opinion. New research results are normally published in articles, reports, conference publications or books.

The following publication types contain different types of information on different academic levels. It is important to know the different publication types and know when it is best to use them.

Different publication types

Journal articles.

Encyclopedias
Dissertations and student theses
Research reports
Conference proceedings
Official publications

Journal articles are published in different kinds of periodicals, such as trade magazines or scholarly journals. They are usually shorter compared to other scientific publications, such as research reports.

Here we will concentrate on scholarly journal articles. Such articles present new research results or theories. They are usually aimed at an international research community within a specific field of research. This means that they are usually written in English. Even articles by Swedish researchers are often in written in English.

Scholarly journal articles are valuable because they often present new research findings, making them important to have in one's own research. As with dissertations and research reports, they can give you a good overview of earlier research, important theories and methods within the subject.

In most fields, scholarly journal articles are considered to have the highest scientific value of all publication types. One reason for this is that before journal articles are published, they are reviewed by other researchers within the same discipline. This process is called 'peer review'. You can read more about how articles and other publications are reviewed in the section on Peer Review .

Bear in mind that the time between writing an article and when it is published can take up to two years, so some facts may become outdated.

Different types of scholarly articles

There are different types of scholarly articles:

Original articles present research results (in the form of empirical studies) for the first time.
Review articles are critical evaluations of other previously published studies. These can also take the form of a meta-analysis in which the results of a number of studies are used to answer a question, such as what is the recommended way to treat a certain disease.
Theoretical articles aim at developing new theories based on existing research.

Elements of an original article

A peer-reviewed original article usually follows a specific layout, including the following elements.

In an abstract, a short summary of the article is provided, presenting the aim, method, results and conclusions of the article. Keywords are also provided to help identify the contents of the article.

Introduction

An article usually starts with a general background. The aim and research questions are presented as well as the limits of the study.

In the method section, the methodology, and in some cases the material used, are described. The description provided should be detailed enough so that other researchers will be able to assess the reliability and credibility of the study and be able to repeat the research.

The research results are accounted for in this section. Diagrams and tables may also be included.

Discussion/Conclusions

In this section, the results of the study are evaluated. Methodological considerations and how the results relate to earlier research are discussed.

All cited documents included in the article must be found in the reference list.

What characterizes different types of periodicals?

In this context, books are defined as specialist books which offer an overview, such as text books (course books) for university studies, or books where the author pursues a theory of his or her own. Often books like this include an introductory chapter, providing a good overview of the subject. You can also find useful references to earlier research and original articles. However, you should always keep in mind that it usually takes quite a long period of time to write and publish a book, so certain facts may have become outdated.

Some academic publishers specialize in volumes with chapters written by prominent researchers within the field. Contributions are selected, compiled and reviewed by an editor or sent out to be reviewed by other scholars within the same field.

Encyclopedias define concepts, which means they can provide a good introduction to a subject. There are both general and subject specific encyclopedias. Encyclopedia entries may also contain selected references for further reading.

In this context, handbooks are defined as publications that provide theoretical overviews rather than practical instructions. Handbooks contain collections of chapters which cover a certain subject area or field. They can provide you with an introduction, the theories that are used within the research, and its most important authors, as well as good reference lists of the most important contributions to the field.

Handbooks explain the various terms used within the specific field. Therefore, handbooks provide a shortcut to important original sources.

Dissertations are written by postgraduate students to get a licentiate or doctoral degree. The purpose of a dissertation is for students to prove that they know the earlier research within the discipline, master the area of research methodology, and can also contribute with new knowledge within the specific topic they write about. Therefore, dissertations also serve as very good overviews of earlier research and provide the reader with extensive reference lists. Sometimes, a dissertation consists of several articles that have been published in journals plus a comprehensive summary. These are called summary dissertations.

Student theses are written by university students, usually on the level of bachelor or master. Student theses do not carry the scientific weight of licentiate and doctoral dissertations, but they may also provide you with suggestions for other references, methodology and working methods within the field.

Reports are a way for researchers to publish information about ongoing research or a recently completed research project. Reports are often published by a university or research institution and, compared to journal articles and books, they are published much faster. Just like dissertations, although not to the same extent, reports may contain both research overviews and references to earlier research.

These reports are usually published in a series and called working papers, discussion papers, technical reports, or research reports.

When researchers participate in conferences, it is with the purpose of presenting their research to colleagues within the same field, often internationally. The papers they produce for the conference are published in conference proceedings which are similar to books or anthologies. Like reports, conference proceedings can provide a good overview of current research.

Official publications usually consist of laws, parliamentary publications, or other official material such as government investigations. New material is published electronically and older publications are increasingly available on the Internet due to digitization.

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Types of publications.

Where do you go to find research? Well, that’s more complicated for you than it was for students 50 years ago. Before the internet, undergraduate researchers were responsible for the sources available in their college or university’s library. Under certain circumstances, materials could be obtained from other libraries through interlibrary loan services.

Things have changed. As the saying goes, “With great power comes great responsibility.” The internet, and all the information associated with it, is now at your disposal as a researcher. You are responsible for a lot more than is contained within the walls of the library. This can feel overwhelming, so we will start by exploring the different types of publications you may encounter. We talk about how to find them in a later chapter, but you need to know what you’re looking for before you learn how to find it.

On the next few pages, you will learn about the types of research sources you can find using the tools at your disposal. Some of the types of sources you will read about include:

Popular Magazines
Trade Journals
Scholarly Journals
Academic Books

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An In-Depth Look at the 8 Journal Publication Types

Table of contents, 8 common journal publication types, 1. original research articles, 2. review articles, 3. case studies, 4. short communications or brief reports, 5. letters to the editor, 6. commentaries/editorials, 7. technical notes, 8. book reviews, advancing knowledge through original research, reviews anchor the literature, short communications encourage discourse, case studies offer in-depth investigations, research scope and key findings, target audience, time investment, journal reputation and impact, introduction to journal publications.

Academic and research communities rely heavily on journal publications to disseminate new findings, further intellectual discourse, and advance knowledge in specialized fields.

Journal publications encompass various document types, each serving distinct purposes for various audiences. Understanding the different journal publication types is key to effectively participating in academic publishing , research, and discourse.

Common journal publication types include the following, with each type having a specific structure and writing style to optimize research communication to target readers:

Original research articles
Review articles
Case studies
Short communications or brief reports
Letters to the editor
Commentaries/editorials
Technical notes
Book reviews.

For example, original research articles follow the standard format of introduction, methods, results, and discussion to provide a comprehensive study report. Review articles synthesize previous findings to identify research gaps and future directions. On the other hand, case studies detail an in-depth investigation of a single event, situation, or individual of interest.

Knowing the differences between journal publication types allows researchers to select the optimal format to share their work. It also helps readers identify publications most relevant to their interests and needs.

For instance, a graduate student may prefer to review articles to get up to speed on a new subject, while a clinician might search for case studies with insights applicable to their patients. Furthermore, understanding publication types enables effective peer review, as reviewers can evaluate manuscripts based on the standards for that document type.

In short, familiarity with the range of journal publication types, their respective purposes, and structures facilitate participation in the academic research process. Researchers rely on this diversity of publication formats to thoroughly document findings, contextualize research, and engage readers.

With this foundation, the following sections will further explore the characteristics and value of different journal publication types.

The What: Understanding Different Journal Publication Types

Several common journal publications serve different purposes in communicating research findings and advancing academic discourse. Here is an overview of some of the main types:

Original research articles present new data and findings from primary research conducted by the authors. These detailed papers typically include an introduction, methods, results, and discussion sections. Original research articles undergo rigorous peer review and must demonstrate sound methodology, significant results, and a novel contribution to the field. They allow researchers to share substantial advances in knowledge.

Review articles summarize and critically evaluate the current state of knowledge on a specific topic by analyzing previously published literature. They do not present new primary research. Review articles highlight important developments in a field, identify research gaps that need to be addressed, and suggest future research directions.

Case studies report on clinical cases or examples that provide insights into a phenomenon, treatment, or diagnostic methods. They present unique observations from practice that advance medical knowledge and illustrate novel techniques. Case studies complement primary research by providing real-world examples.

Short communications or brief reports present original preliminary data and findings that may not warrant a full-length article but still make a significant contribution. They allow rapid dissemination of new research that is often novel and timely. These short communications are peer-reviewed and may inspire further research in the field.

Letters to the editor allow readers to engage in academic discourse by providing comments, criticisms, or compliments on previously published articles. These letters can also present brief reports of original research or additional insights into a topic not covered in the original paper.

Letters to the editor are typically concise, focused, and subject to editorial review to ensure relevance and appropriateness for the journal’s audience.

Commentaries and editorials provide context, analysis, and perspective on original research articles, issues, or events related to a field. They are written by subject experts who can highlight the significance of new research or discuss controversies. Commentaries educate readers and stimulate discussion.

Technical notes primarily focus on introducing new techniques, tools, technologies, or modifications to existing methods. They provide detailed descriptions and evaluations of experimental procedures, equipment, or software that can aid research in a particular field.

These notes are typically concise and focused. They still undergo peer review to ensure their validity and usefulness to the scientific community.

Book reviews critically evaluate recently published books in a specific field of study. These reviews offer an overview of the book’s content, assess its merits and shortcomings, and situate it within the broader context of the field. One of the journals I manage has a book review section that publishes one to three book reviews in every publication issue.

As we have seen, each type of journal publication serves a distinct purpose and is intended for specific audiences. The diversity of journal publishing allows for nuanced communication of different types of advances and insights across various audiences. Each format plays a vital role in building academic knowledge and enabling the exchange of ideas within research communities and beyond.

The Why: Importance of Different Journal Publication Types

Academic journals are vital in disseminating new research and furthering progress within scholarly fields. The variety of publication types allows researchers to share their work in the format best suited to their study and goals.

Original research articles are the backbone of academic journals. These detailed reports push the boundaries of knowledge by publishing novel experiments, analyses, and findings. They introduce new data, theories, and perspectives that can profoundly shape thinking within a discipline. High-quality original research articles validate methods, provide critical insights, and set the foundation for future investigations.

Review articles serve as comprehensive overviews and evaluations of the existing literature. These publications summarize, analyze, and synthesize large bodies of work, identifying overarching themes, knowledge gaps, and new directions for the field. Review articles anchor the literature as touchstone references, providing context and direction for emerging research.

Short communications facilitate ongoing discussion and debate within academic communities. These publications nurture valuable scholarly discourse by allowing scholars to critique, clarify, and expand on published material. They provide opportunities to address flaws, consider alternate viewpoints, and highlight promising avenues for future research.

To illuminate broader phenomena, case studies examine a single event, situation, or individual. By thoroughly analyzing a bounded system, case studies can reveal critical factors, relationships, and insights that may apply to similar contexts. As detailed illustrations, they complement wider research by anchoring it in real-world examples.

Overall, each type of journal publication contributes uniquely to the growth and communication of knowledge. Together, they form an ecosystem that supports ongoing discovery and dialogue within academic communities.

Choosing the Right Journal Publication Type for Your Research

Choosing the right type of journal publication for your research can seem daunting, but following some key guidelines can help streamline the process. Here are a few factors to consider when deciding which journal format best fits your work:

The scope of your research study and its core findings should inform the type of journal publication you pursue. For example, if your work is an in-depth investigation into a narrow topic, an original research article presenting new data or analysis may be most fitting. A review article synthesizing past knowledge may be ideal if you extensively review existing literature.

Consider who you want your work to reach and influence. If aiming for a specialized audience in your field, submitting to a niche journal in that discipline may help get your work in front of the right readers. A multidisciplinary journal may suit your needs if you hope to communicate with a broader range of scholars.

Certain publication types require more time to prepare than others. Review articles, for instance, involve comprehensive synthesis and analysis of prior literature. Original research articles need robust methodology and extensive data collection. Be realistic about the time you can devote when choosing a publication type.

More prestigious journals tend to have higher standards and lower acceptance rates. Make sure to choose reputable journals that align with your experience level and the quality of your work. Also, consider the journal’s impact factor and audience reach if aiming to amplify the influence of your publication.

By weighing these key factors, you can identify the journal publication format that best fits your research study and scholarly goals. The type of journal publication is an important strategic decision that can help maximize the visibility and impact of your work.

As we have seen, there are many different journal publication types, each serving a unique purpose in disseminating academic research and knowledge. From original research articles that present new findings to review articles that synthesize the state of knowledge on a topic to commentaries that provide critique and analysis, the diversity of publication types creates a rich ecosystem of academic discourse.

While original research articles that report on experimental studies remain the most prestigious journal publication, we should not underestimate the value of other publication types.

Review articles play a crucial role in consolidating research in a field and identifying trends, gaps, and future directions. Commentaries allow for scholarly debate and critical examination of published studies. Case studies provide instructive examples that bring research insights to life.

It can be tempting for junior researchers to focus solely on publishing original research studies in high-impact journals. However, publishing review articles, comments, or case studies can help establish your voice and expertise in your field. The different publication types also allow you to target different audiences, expanding your work’s reach and impact.

When choosing where to publish your work, look beyond the Journal Impact Factor . Find a journal that aligns with your publication’s aims and target readership. While high-impact journals confer prestige, other more suitable outlets may better disseminate your work to your desired audience.

By embracing the diversity of journal publication types, we enrich scientific discourse and collectively advance knowledge. Each type of journal publication represents a unique channel for sharing research and perspectives. As academics, we should value the variety of voices that make up the scholarly conversation.