Scholarly journals contain more than one type of article. In one issue of a journal, such as this issue of Nature, you may find original research articles, review articles, letters to the editor, book reviews, and more. When browsing articles in databases or in paper journals, keep the following questions in mind:
Original research articles are based on an experiment or study. The authors will report the purpose of the study, the research methodology, and results. This is a familiar structure for original research articles > IMRAD: introduction, methods, results, and discussion.
Example: The influence of electronic polarization on the spectral density
Example: Genetic regulation of the development of mating projections in Candida albicans
Review articles summarize or synthesize content from earlier published research and are useful for surveying the literature on a specific research area. Review articles are not just summaries but critical summaries. Review articles can lead you to original research articles.
Example: The effects of Sclerostin on the immune system
Example: Molecular host mimicry and manipulation in bacterial symbionts
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