What's the difference between a magazine and a journal?

A magazine provides general information and entertaining reading to a wide audience. Magazines cover current news and general interest topics. Magazine articles are usually short and easy to comprehend by the general public. They rarely cite sources or include bibliographies. EXAMPLES: Newsweek, Psychology Today, Sports Illustrated, Glamour, and Business Week.

A journal reports scholarly, often original research conducted by professionals or experts in a given discipline such as medicine, psychology, or literature. Journal articles are often long, complex, and can be challenging reading for those unfamiliar with the field of study. They will include abstracts (summaries), footnotes, bibliographies. EXAMPLES: Journal of Abnormal Psychology, Journal of Accountancy, Ecology, Journal of American History, and The International Journal of Eating Disorders.

Still confused? Watch this video from Cornell University on Youtube.