Introduction

Types of Articles

Format/Structure

Author

Language

Illustrations/ Advertisements

Purpose

Audience

Peer Reviewed/ Refereed

Printable Checklist

Introduction or Why Should I Read This?

There are many different types of articles to read. Some articles may be scholarly; others may be popular or sensational. Scholarly articles are used primarily in research; popular articles present information on current and/ or "popular" topics. News articles report on current topics. Trade articles are geared toward specific trades or professions, such as librarianship or advertising. Some articles, like those in the National Enquirer or Globe are considered sensational. The information in sensational articles is usually considered not worthy of academic use because the information cannot be verified or substantiated. Not every article is appropriate for use in research. This tutorial presents guides or standards one can use to evaluate articles to determine if the information is appropriate for research needs.

After completing this tutorial, one will be able to:

Differentiate between types of articles
Determine the credibility, relevance and information level of articles
Evaluate the credentials of the author
Decide which type of article and information is valid for your needs