Not all journals are created equal, and not all will be appropriate for every research need. These are the most common types of journals you are likely to encounter in your research, presented in order from most to least academic:
- Scholarly Journals: reports of original research, theoretical, experimental, or applied; many are refereed/peer-reviewed
- Trade/Professional Journals: current trends, news & events in a particular field; some are peer-reviewed
- Journals of Commentary or Opinion: commentary on political & social issues; often a source of specific political viewpoint, e.g., conservative, liberal, or specific interest group
- Newspapers: current information, news stories; local & regional focus
- Popular Magazines: current events & news; primary source for popular culture