1. Research articles tend to have the following characteristics
a. Quantitative; contain graphs, tables, charts
b. Generally have the following sections: Introduction (literature review), Method, Results, Discussion, (often) Limitations, and (often) Future Research
c. Formal language
d. Audience: Other researchers
The Journal of Early Intervention is an example of a journal that publishes research articles.
2. Articles on recommended practice on the other hand tend to be qualitative and thus usually lack tables, graphs, and charts. They don't have the sections mentioned above that nearly all research articles have. Finally, their language tends to be less formal than the language in research articles.
a. Audience: Teachers, educational administrators, therapists
Young Exceptional Children is an example of a journal that carries articles on recommended practice.