Research Steps for Beginners

There are 3 main types of serial (or periodical) publications: scholarly journals, trade journals, and popular magazines. 

Scholarly articles are written by experts in their field of study. 

Characteristics:

• Are generally long and detailed
• Will begin with an abstract
• Include full citations for sources 
• May include graphs, tables, or charts
• Will begin with an abstract
• Include full citations for sources
• May Include graphs, tables, or charts

Audience: 

Other experts, researchers, or students in the field

Examples:

The Journal of Animal Ecology, Kinesiology Review, Economic Development Quarterly

Trade journals are periodicals written by professionals actively working in the field, or by journalists who have knowledge of the field. 

Characteristics

• Often require professional knowledge and vocabulary to be fully understood
• Are usually published by professional or trade organizations​
• May not include references or citations
• May not include information about the writers
• Often have advertisements highlighting specific tools or products that would be used in the industry

Audience:

Working professionals in the field

Examples:

Accounting Today, Advertising Age, Education Digest

Popular magazines aim to inform about issues of interest in a more informal tone and scope that are written by magazine staff members, regular columnists or freelance writer. 

Characteristics:

• Sources may be mentioned but are rarely cited
• Individual issues contain numerous advertisements
• There is no peer review process
• Many colorful illustrations/photos
• Articles are typically fairly short 
• Articles use accessible everyday language

Audience:

General wide audience

Examples:

National Geographic, Scientific American, Time Magazine