types of journal articles
Psychologists have adopted a common writing style to communicate information to the scientific community in journal articles. This style is called APA style, and refers to the guidelines published in the Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (APA). This style has been revised several times and currently, psychologists conform to the guidelines of the Sixth Edition, published in 2009.
Three major types of journal articles are reports of empirical studies, review articles and theoretical articles. Reports of empirical studies are articles summarizing original research. Review articles are further examinations of research that has already been published. Theoretical articles are written to advance theory and they may include both empirical research and reviews of research in order to elaborate the theoretical position.
The vast majority of journal articles are reports of empirical studies. In order to learn how to review literature and elaborate theory, it is important to be able to read and understand this type of journal article.
