Cite Your Sources
- Txstate Writing Center APA guide
- APA Style Help: FAQs, Video Tutorial on the basics of APA, Blog, and more learning resources
- APA Citation Format
- Purdue OWL
- Writing for Professional Journals
- NW Missouri guide to APA Style with examples from different databases.
Copies of the latest print edition are also available at the Alkek Library.
Characteristics of scholarly journals
Check this chart for information about scholarly journal characteristics.
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Authors |
Articles are written by authorities in the field |
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Sources |
Authors cite their sources in endnotes, footnotes, or bibliographies |
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Audience |
Aimed at scholarly readers (researchers, professors, or students) |
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Publisher |
Often published by academic or association presses |
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Advertisements |
Contains few to no advertisements |
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Peer-review? |
Most articles are reviewed by an author’s peers before publication to ensure high quality |
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Article scope |
Journals usually have a narrow subject focus, and articles often include original research, reviews, or essays |
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Graphics |
Illustrations often consist of charts or graphs |
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Language |
Articles use jargon of the discipline |
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Examples |
American Journal of Botany, The Academy of Management Journal, Social Research |
Characteristics of popular magazines
Check this chart for characteristics of popular magazines.
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Authors |
Articles are usually written by professional writers or journalists |
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Sources |
There are rarely bibliographies |
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Audience |
Aimed at general population |
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Publisher |
Published by commercial (for profit) presses |
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Advertisements |
Contain numerous advertisements |
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Peer-review? |
Rare |
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Article scope |
Used to inform, update, or introduce a topic to a general reader |
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Graphics |
Numerous colorful illustrations and/or photographs are usually present | |
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Language |
Language is geared to general population; no special knowledge is required |
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Examples |
Runner's World, Ebony, Time |
Characteristics of trade publications
Check the below chart for information about trade publications.
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Authors |
Articles usually written by specialists in an industry |
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Sources |
Sources are mentioned, but rarely formally cited |
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Audience |
Aimed at people in a particular profession, trade, or industry |
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Publisher |
Usually published by professional or trade associations |
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Advertisements |
Contains a few advertisements, usually targeting the particular industry |
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Peer-review? |
Generally, no peer-review process |
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Article scope |
Articles tend to be practical information, helpful to people in the industry |
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Graphics |
Some illustrations; often consisting of charts or graphs |
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Language |
Articles use jargon of the industry |
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Examples |
Adweek, Social Studies and the Young Learner, Software Development |
Getting more help...
If you have specific questions about citing your sources, writing tips, or help with editing, you can go to the following places on campus for more assistance.
Student Learning Assistance Center (SLAC)
Get in-person tutoring at the Student Learning Assistance Center, or SLAC, located on the 4th floor of Alkek Library. Check the website for hours and availability. SLAC also maintains a good handout page for quick reference.
Texas State University Writing Center
The Writing Center is located on the first floor of ASB North. You can get help with all types of writing, including papers, essays, and resumes. The Writing Center offers in-person and online tutoring (check their website for more information). Round Rock patrons can seek assistance from the Round Rock Writing Center. The Writing Center also offers survival guide workshops for APA, Chicago/Turabian, and MLA citation styles.