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Types of Periodicals: Commentary/Opinion

Uses and features of journals, magazines, and newspapers.

Types of Periodicals

Spectrum from scholarly sources to popular sources, with different types of periodical mediums.

Access Tools (Examples)

Commentary/Opinion Periodical Characteristics

  • Commentary on political & social issues
  • Often source of specific political viewpoint, e.g., conservative, liberal, or specific interest group
  • Speeches & interviews
  • Often substantial book reviews

Screenshot of article detailing childhood experiences.A photo of a solemn black man in a dress shirt, tie, and slacks sits with folded eyeglasses in one hand and the other resting on his hip.

Screenshot from: Johnson, C. G., & Armstrong, K. (2016). This boy's life. Mother Jones, 41(1), 42-59.

  • Written for a general, educated audience

Screeshot of short exerpt from previous article.

Screenshot from: Johnson, C. G., & Armstrong, K. (2016). This boy's life. Mother Jones, 41(1), 42-59.

Often display the greatest variety of authors:

  • writers
  • journalists
  • specialists
  • members of the sponsoring organization

Zoomed-in portion of periodical title page image. A blurry photo of a teenage black boy stands looking into the camera. Authors and affiliate information is surrounded by a blue square.

Screenshot from: Johnson, C. G., & Armstrong, K. (2016). This boy's life. Mother Jones, 41(1), 42-59.

  • Highly variable
  • Sources often cited but full documentation is not always provided

Screenshot of article page, with blue arrow and text asking where the information is coming from, pointing at bar graph showing percentage of prison 'lifer's' who committed their crimes as children, according to race.

Screenshot from: Johnson, C. G., & Armstrong, K. (2016). This boy's life. Mother Jones, 41(1), 42-59.

  • Commercial/trade publishers
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Varies
  • Some have graphics, color and ads

Screenshot of last page of article, at the bottom are two ads, one for Bastyr University and one for Aspire to Peace Wall Calendars.

Screenshot from: Johnson, C. G., & Armstrong, K. (2016). This boy's life. Mother Jones, 41(1), 42-59.

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