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How to Do Research


Some of the best and most cutting-edge research is published in scholarly journals. Some of the most current and newsworthy information is published in magazines. Journals and magazines are part of a genre of publications that are referred to as "periodicals".

The key is to know when to search for an article, rather than looking for a book or surfing the Web.


The following table identifies some of the characteristics that distinguish journals from magazines. If you are doing academic research and need authoritative information within a discipline, limit your search to journal articles. If you want current, practical information, look for magazine articles.

JOURNALS
MAGAZINES
PURPOSE: To contribute to the evolving body of knowledge within an academic discipline.
PURPOSE: To entertain, to market, to train, and/or to promote a viewpoint.
Published by university presses, professional associations, or learned societies.
Published by commercial enterprises.
Articles authored by scholars, or persons who have done substantive research with qualifying academic credentials.
Articles written by staff writers and editors.
Articles are substantive and lengthy.
Articles are typically brief.
Always cite information sources and include Works Cited.
Rarely cite information sources or include a bibliography.
Uses vocabulary specific to the subject.
Uses vocabulary and language for a general audience.
Presumes reader has prior knowledge of the subject.
Presumes no prior knowledge of the subject.


Unit 3: Finding Articles: 1 of 3

Why Articles | How to Find Articles! | How to Cite Articles

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Last updated: Tuesday, 20-Aug-2002 15:22:46 EDT