How to…
Evaluate Sources
This table below lists some of the distinguishing characteristics among different types of periodicals
|
PURPOSE |
ARTICLE CHARACTERISTICS |
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE |
STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES |
|
|
Scholarly Journals |
Inform and report original research Provide in-depth analysis of issues related to a specific discipline |
Lengthy Articles written by scholars, professors or researchers within the specific discipline
Specific terminology pertaining to the subject matter Inclusion of bibliographies, and/or charts, graphs or tables |
Usually plain black print on white paper Rarely photographs or advertising |
Strength: The in-depth nature of the article is helpful with obtaining information. Inclusion of bibliographies is useful if looking for additional sources. Weakness: Terminology and depth of articles may be difficult to understand if reader is not familiar with the subject matter. |
|
Professional & Trade Periodicals |
Current trends, news and research in a specific field |
Articles vary in length and are often written by staff writers or freelance journalists Language specific to those within the given profession |
Strength: Provides up-to-date information on the profession, including trends and issues Weakness: The characteristics of professional /trade periodicals and scholarly sources can be at times very similar making it difficult to distinguish the sources. |
|
| Popular & Special Interest Magazines |
Entertain, inform and persuade without providing in-depth analysis |
Articles are usually fairly short, written by freelance journalists, editorial staff, or the author(s) may not be identified Articles provide general information, with little detail and no jargon |
Slick and glossy pages
Extensive advertising |
Authors are typically not experts on the given subject matter and may present a bias or personal opinion.Weakness: There is often a lack of depth to articles; this can be difficult when trying to obtain information. |
For more information visit the Communications Library or go to: http://www.library.illinois.edu/cmx/