Shows the different types of periodical source types for articles.

1. Article Source Types &
Peer Review

2. Source Types: Periodicals
For your research and college assignments, you will usually be looking
for articles from these types of periodicals:
You may find articles on the open web, but the Library databases are
the best place to search for full-text (and free) articles.
Scholarly journals
Trade journals
Popular magazines
Newspapers

3. Source Types: Scholarly Journals
 content written by scholars, researchers, professionals
 articles are often peer-reviewed before publication
 articles have very specific subject focus
 contain original research, or a response to original research
 include full documentation/ references
 have straight-forward titles, plain covers

4. Peer Review
Before publication in a peer-reviewed
journal, an article is sent out to experts in
the field to check:
• methodology and conclusions
• accuracy, originality, significance
Peer Reviewed Articles are considered
more credible and authoritative because
of this process.
Most scholarly journals/ academic journals
are peer-reviewed.

5. Source Types: Popular Magazines
 content written by reporters, free-lance journalists
 content approved by magazine editor (not peer-reviewed)
 articles written for the general public
 main purpose is to entertain, inform, or promote viewpoint
 do not contain original research or references
 have colourful, eye-catching covers

6. Source Types: Trade Journals
 written by and for professionals in a specific trade or industry
 often published by a professional association
content approved by editor (not peer reviewed)
 update readers on current information and trends in that field

7. Source Types: Newspapers
Includes print newspapers, TV news channels, newswire services, & their respective websites.
 content written by staff reporters, free-lance journalists
 content approved by editor (not peer-reviewed)
 articles written for the general public
 may include some sources, but no formal references
 should differentiate news reporting from editorials and opinion
pieces

8. Learn More
• Evaluating Journal Articles (Fleming Library)
• Know Your Sources (The Learning Portal)