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Information is published in a number of different sources. Even amongst a similar type of source, periodicals, there can be differences. See this table below for how to tell the difference between a peer reviewed journal article and a popular magazine article:
| Scholarly/Peer Reviewed | Trade | Popular | |
| Purpose | To report results of original research and experimentation | To report industry/trade trends, products, and news | To report current events, and general information |
| Look | Plain, serious, lengthy articles, may contain charts and graphs to support findings | Glossy, commercial, contains color illustrations/photos, and industry/trade related ads | Glossy, attractive, contains color illustrations/photos, and everyday product ads |
| Author | Scholars and experts in the field of study/discipline | Industry specialists or staff writers | Journalists/reporters, staff or freelance writers |
| Audience | Scholars in academic and discipline related fields, researchers, and students | Members or those with interest in a particular industry or trade | Anyone |
| Language | Academic and technical | Jargon of the industry | Non-technical, written in a language for anyone to understand |
| Documentation | Heavily cited with footnotes or bibliography | Occasionally contain cited sources in the form of footnotes or bibliographies | Sources are rarely cited, although references may be mentioned in text |
How and when you use different information types is also important. See the video below for tips on when to use different types of publications and considerations when evaluating sources.
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