9 *What is a journal? (“social scientific research methodsly” speaking)

Journals are integral to the research process. They are the main strategy through which academics share their research, get promoted, and reinforce paradigmatic lines. Journals are not static. More often then not they transition through editors and peer reviewers, which often shifts the publication focus and goals, and establishes and re-establishes lines. Sometimes scholars create new journals because, in part, of the challenge of fitting within the lines of a particular paradigm’s box. This is one way that we counter problems with scientific ways of knowing.

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  Peer Review

  • an unbiased review involving anonymous reading and reviewing of research articles by other scientists

What is a Journal?

A scholarly journal is a periodical publication in which scholarship relating to a particular academic discipline is published. These journals are peer edited and have stringent requirements to ensure that the information presented in them is trustworthy. In general International Journals are more reputable than National journals, and National journals are more reputable than Regional journals. This is the typical order with specialized journals covering specific information for Communication sub-fields.

Key Communication Journals: 

There are many different journal classifications. The international is the most recognized, then the national, then regional, and so on. Listed below are the main journals:

• Human Communication Research
• Journal of Communication

• Journal of Applied Communication Research
• Communication Monographs

• Communication Studies
• Communication Quarterly

There are also speciality journals for areas of specific study. They include the following:

Specialized Journals 

• Journal of Health Communication
• Journal of Family Communication
• Journal of Qualitative Health Research
• Symbolic Interaction
• Health Communication
• Journal of Qualitative Research
• Journal of Contemporary Ethnography
• Journal of Youth Studies
• Health Education & Behavior

Real Talk: I am rushing at the end of this video because my dog has decided that now is a good time to vomit in the corner. I’d lock them out but then they will just cry and scratch the door.

Unit 3: Getting to, and thinking critically about, the [Secondary] Research

• • What is a journal?
  • Research through databases
  • Primary vs Secondary Research
  • Publishing and Predators