Publication Type

Scholarly journals	Trade magazines	Popular science magazines
Aimed at scholars within the field.	Aimed at professionals within the field.	Aimed at the public.
Present the results of research.	Present information for those who work within a certain profession.	Aim to inform and entertain readers.
Reviewers (referees) evaluate the articles prior to publication (peer review).	Evaluated by the editor.	Evaluated by the editor.
The editors are often well-established researchers.	The editors are usually professionals within the field.	Editor(s) provided by the publisher.
The authors are usually researchers affiliated with a university or research institute.	The authors are practicing professionals within the field.	The articles are usually written by reporters of the magazine or freelance writers.​
Published by universities or academic associations/publishers.	Often published by professional associations.	Usually published by commercial publishers.
Often illustrated with tables and diagrams, rarely with pictures.	Occasionally illustrated.	Often illustrated.
Articles are usually long and contain footnotes and reference lists. ​	Sources are rarely given and footnotes and reference lists are seldom included.	Articles are usually short and seldom contain footnotes or reference lists.​
Technical language.	Language which includes some technical terminology but still easy to comprehend.	Language that is easy to understand.
Few ads, if any.	Ads are directed at professionals within the field.	Ads are directed at the general public.

• Research Paper:

Purpose: Research papers present original research and findings on a specific topic or question.
Content: They include an introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion sections. Citations and references to support the research are essential.
Audience: Researchers, scholars, academics, and experts in the specific field.

• Review Paper:

Purpose: Review papers provide a comprehensive summary and analysis of existing research on a particular topic.
Content: They summarize current research, identify trends, gaps, and controversies in the field. They often provide suggestions for future research directions.
Audience: Researchers, students, and professionals seeking an overview of a specific research area.

• Tutorial Paper:

Purpose: Tutorial papers aim to educate readers about a specific topic or technology, providing detailed explanations and instructions.
Content: They offer step-by-step guidance, examples, and practical applications, making complex concepts more understandable.
Audience: Students, researchers, practitioners, or anyone interested in learning about a specific subject or technique.

• Position Paper:

Purpose: Position papers present an argument about a specific issue. They advocate a particular viewpoint and provide evidence to support it.
Content: They include a clear statement of the author’s position, followed by supporting evidence and logical reasoning.
Audience: Policymakers, academics, and professionals interested in a specific issue or topic.

• Case Study:

Purpose: Case studies examine a specific instance or situation in depth. They analyze real-life scenarios, often within the context of business, medicine, or social sciences.
Content: They include background information, problem statement, analysis, solutions, and outcomes, providing a detailed account of the case.
Audience: Researchers, professionals, and students interested in practical applications of theories and concepts.

• Persuasive Paper:

Purpose: Persuasive papers aim to convince the reader of a particular argument or viewpoint. They use strong evidence, logic, and rhetoric to persuade the audience.
Content: They include a clear thesis statement, supporting arguments, counterarguments, and a compelling conclusion.
Audience: General readers, policymakers, and individuals interested in understanding and forming opinions on specific issues.

• Concept Paper:

Purpose: Concept papers explore theoretical ideas, concepts, or frameworks. They define a concept, explain its relevance, and discuss potential applications.
Content: They include definitions, historical context, theoretical frameworks, and discussions on how the concept can be applied or studied further.
Audience: Researchers, scholars, and academics interested in exploring new theoretical perspectives.

• Systematic Review:

Purpose: Systematic reviews meticulously analyze existing literature on a specific research question. They follow a structured methodology to ensure a comprehensive and unbiased summary of existing studies.
Content: Detailed literature search methods, inclusion/exclusion criteria, data synthesis, and critical analysis of existing studies.
Audience: Researchers, clinicians, and policymakers interested in evidence-based practice and decision-making.

• Commentary:

Purpose: Commentary papers offer the author’s opinions or insights on a particular topic. They often respond to previously published articles, providing critique, analysis, or alternative perspectives.
Content: Author’s opinions, analysis, and references to support the argument.
Audience: Scholars, researchers, and professionals interested in engaging with ongoing academic debates.

• Editorial:

Purpose: Editorials are typically written by journal editors and provide context or commentary on the content within a specific journal issue. They may also discuss broader trends in the field.
Content: Author’s opinions, summaries of articles in the issue, and discussions on the journal’s scope and mission.
Audience: Journal readers and contributors interested in the editorial board’s perspective.

• White Paper:

Purpose: White papers are authoritative reports or guides that address complex issues and propose solutions. They are often used in policy-making or business contexts.
Content: Problem analysis, proposed solutions, and detailed explanations, often supported by data and research.
Audience: Policymakers, industry professionals, and experts interested in practical solutions to specific problems.

NOTE

WORKFLOW : Popular science magazines (ie. Nature, Popular Science / PopSci, Scientific American / sciam)> Trade magazines / Trade Journal (ie. Police Chief, Education Digest, Energy Weekly News, Aviation Week and Space Technology, Engineering News Record, Design News, and Traffic World)> Tutorial Paper > Review Paper > Systematic Review > FIND THE GAP > Research Paper

References :

1. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/pubtypes.html
2. https://www.springer.com/us/authors-editors/authorandreviewertutorials/writing-a-journal-manuscript/types-of-journal-articles/10285504
3. https://tressacademic.com/paper-types/
4. https://tressacademic.com/5-paper-writing-decisions/
5. https://tressacademic.com/find-the-journal/
6. https://tressacademic.com/20-paper-writing-questions/
7. https://www.reading.ac.uk/library/finding-information/publication-type
8. https://guides.library.ju.se/how-to-search/publication-types
9. https://learning.edanz.com/understanding-research-publication-types/
10. https://paperpile.com/g/types-of-research-papers/
11. https://www.editage.com/insights/what-are-different-type-of-articles-published-in-journals-and-how-to-find-out-which-article-is-original-or-discussion-paper-or-anything-else