Article (Academic)

A written work published in a scholarly journal, magazine, or newspaper. Academic articles are typically peer-reviewed and present original research, reviews, or commentary on a specific topic within a discipline.

Why it matters

Journal articles are the most commonly cited source type in academic writing. They contain the latest research findings and undergo peer review before publication, making them among the most credible sources available. Knowing how to find, evaluate, and correctly cite journal articles is arguably the most important citation skill for any university student.

How to use

When citing a journal article, include the author(s), publication year, article title, journal name (italicized), volume number, issue number, page range, and DOI. The exact order and formatting depend on your citation style. Use academic databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, or your library's discovery tool to find relevant articles, and always check whether the article has a DOI for your citation.

In academic writing

Journal articles come in several types: original research articles (presenting new data), review articles (surveying existing literature), case studies, meta-analyses, and short communications. Understanding these distinctions helps you evaluate the type of evidence each article provides. Most undergraduate assignments expect at least some journal article citations, and graduate-level work relies on them almost exclusively.