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Milner Library

Types of Sources - What's the Difference

Learn quick and easy criteria for differentiating between common source types often used for projects and research at the university.

Popular / Sensational

Popular magazines

An image of a People Magazine cover with Hillary Clinton on the cover.Articles in popular magazines are kept short, with little depth and typically written to entertain or persuade a general audience; articles are written by staff or freelance writers. The heavy graphical format is focused on selling products or services.
Examples: Glamour; People Weekly; Reader's Digest; Sports Illustrated

Sensational magazines

Carrying little authority, articles in these publications are written in an inflammatory, sensational style. To arouse curiosity of readers, outrageous or startling headlines and photographs as well as melodramatic advertising are used.
Examples: Globe; National Enquirer; Star; Sun

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