Here is a quick checklist of criteria to help you determine if a resource is popular:
POPULAR PERIODICALS
Popular periodicals come in many formats, although often somewhat slick and attractive in appearance, with lots of graphics (photographs, drawings, etc.). These publications rarely, if ever, cite sources. Information published in such journals is often second- or third-hand and the original source is sometimes obscure.
Articles are usually very short, written in simple language and are designed to meet a minimal education level. There is generally little depth to the content of these articles. The main purpose of popular periodicals is to entertain the reader, to sell products (their own or their advertisers), and/or to promote a viewpoint.
EXAMPLES OF POPULAR PERIODICALS:
| Ebony | Parents |
| People Weekly | Readers Digest |
| Scientific American | Vogue |
| Sports Illustrated | Time |
SENSATIONAL PERIODICALS
Sensational periodicals are a particular variety of popular magazine. They come in a variety of styles, but often use a newspaper format. Their language is elementary and occasionally inflammatory or sensational. They assume a certain gullibility in their audience.
The main purpose of sensational magazines seems to be to arouse curiosity, to cater to popular superstitions, and to sell advertising. They often do so with flashy headlines designed to astonish (e.g. Half-man / Half-woman Makes Self Pregnant).
EXAMPLES OF SENSATIONAL PERIODICALS:
| Globe | National Examiner |
| National Inquirer | Star Weekly |
| World News |
