Academic research work is a professional work carried out by student as part of their studies.
This writing requires details such that information from other authorities are a major requirement. And they can be from magazines, newspapers, journals, other research works, documentaries etc
That being said, caution must be applied in how these sources of information are used. Some may require direct quotations, paraphrasing and summarizing. Notwithstanding, where it is quoted from must be mentioned to avoid plagiarism.
Worthy of note is the fact that the source of information must be such that it is authoritative, timely, relevant and informative.