Final Projects & Dissertations: Using Journal Articles

Journal articles are short papers written on a narrow topic area. They are part of larger issues called journals, which are published on a regular basis.

Journal articles are a key resource for research projects. They cover topics in greater detail than a textbook, and usually contain more up-to-date and cutting edge research than books. The vast majority of new ideas in every academic area are shared via journal articles. It is suggested that the majority of content in a research project literature review would draw information from journal articles.

Many journal articles also go through the process of peer review. Watch the video on this page to find out what peer review is and how it acts as an extra quality-control step.

Academic articles contain original research, critical debate, analysis and case studies which you can comment upon and cite in your research.

Citing the opinions and findings of researchers/journal authors demonstrates you have researched more deeply. Focus on analysing and engaging with the content of journal articles rather than simply repeating findings. Consider how the researchers conducted their project (or otherwise came to their conclusions), how widely-applicable their findings are, and how directly they apply to the problem you are exploring.

As you search for articles on your topic, you may find that many of the useful articles come from one or two journal titles. You can browse current editions and back catalogues of many journal titles using Browzine, which makes it easier to see which topics are currently of particular interest within a specific area of your subject.  You can also ask your tutor for suggestions of the best journals to read in your subject area.

1. Read the abstract (overview) to check if it's relevant

2. Check the authority of the author

3. Skim the paragraphs - look for your keywords

4. Is there a literature review?  (Discussion of the literature already written; this is useful to see who are the key writers on your topic)

5. Are there any references you can investigate later?

6. Read the conclusion

7. If it looks okay and relevant you can then take your time over it in more detail