title: Get element type with jQuery
body: <p>Is it possible, using jQuery, to find out the type of an element with jQuery? For example, is the element a div, span, select, or input?</p>
  
  <p>For example, if I am trying to load values into a drop-down list with jQuery, but the same script can generate code into a set of radio buttons, could I create something like:</p>
  
  <pre><code>$('.trigger').live('click', function () {
     var elementType = $(this).prev().attr(WHAT IS IT);
  });
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>Given a drop-down list with a button next to it with the <strong>trigger</strong> class, my <code>elementType</code> variable should return <code>select</code> upon the button being pressed.</p>