- Main purpose is to report original research or experimentation. Articles usually have a narrow subject focus.
- Articles tend to be lengthy and contain specialized jargon of the discipline - assumes some scholarly background on the part of the reader.
- Written by an expert or scholar in the field or someone who has done research in the field. Author's position and affiliation may be given.
- Generally have a serious look. Often contain graphs and charts but few glossy pages or exciting pictures.
- Include few if any ads.
- Sources always cited in the form of footnotes and bibliographies.
- Issued less frequently (i.e., monthly, quarterly, annually).
- Most often published by scholarly presses, professional societies, or universities.
- Articles usually indexed in specialized subject periodical indexes.
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- Main purpose is to entertain, sell products or promote a viewpoint. Information provided is usually of current or general interest and appeals to a broad audience.
- Articles tend to be short and written in layman's terms - no subject expertise is assumed.
- Generally written by a member of the editorial staff or a free lance writer. Articles may also be unsigned.
- Usually have a slick look. Often heavily illustrated with colored photos and drawings.
- Contain many advertisements.
- Sources sometimes cited, but more often are not. Information published is often second or third hand - original source of information is often obscure.
- Issued more frequently (i.e., daily, weekly, monthly).
- Most often published by general or commercial presses.
- Articles usually indexed in general periodical indexes.
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