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Periodical Articles

Activity 4a: Evaluate Sources-Periodical Articles

Question:
What are the characteristics of a popular magazine, scholarly journal, opinion periodical, and trade journal? H ow can I tell if my citation is from a popular magazine or scholarly journal?

Answer:
Review characteristics of the main periodical types listed below.

Types of Periodicals Characteristics
Scholarly
Communication Quarterly, Journal of Communication
 In-depth analysis
 Cites prior research in field
 Uses profession's vocabulary
Popular
Time, Newsweek, Discover, Business Week
 Current events overviews
 Layperson's vocabulary
 Glossy advertisements
Opinion
The New Republic, Mother Jones
 Political viewpoint
 General educated audience
 Political commentary
Trade
Downbeat, Billboard, American Libraries
 For applied practitioners
 Product information
 Current trends & practices

 

Take a look at this handout for other tips on determining whether an article is from a popular magazine or scholarly journal:

Scholarly Journals vs. Popular Magazines

Still not sure? Try:

Ulrich's International Periodicals Directory (JPL Reference Desk, Z6941 .U5 & Downtown Library, Reference Z6941 .U5) gives basic data on specific periodical titles including whether they are peer reviewed (scholarly). Ulrich's Web is also available electronically from Databases A-Z on the UTSA Library Home Page.

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