Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Academic journals are specialized publications that contain articles written by scholars and experts in a particular field of study. These articles undergo a rigorous review process before being published to ensure their quality and accuracy.
Related terms
Scholarly Articles: Scholarly articles are similar to academic journal articles but may also include papers published in conference proceedings or edited collections. They are written by experts for an audience of other scholars.
Research Papers: Research papers present original research conducted by scholars on a specific topic. They often include detailed methodologies, data analysis, and conclusions based on empirical evidence.
Citation Indexes: Citation indexes track references cited within academic literature, allowing researchers to trace connections between different works and identify influential studies within a particular discipline.