3.2 Online Research Tools and Databases
7 min read•july 30, 2024
Online research tools are game-changers for journalists. From search engines to specialized databases, these digital resources offer a wealth of information at your fingertips. But knowing how to use them effectively is key to finding reliable, relevant content for your stories.
Advanced search techniques can supercharge your research. By mastering tricks like and field searching, you'll be able to zero in on exactly what you need. Plus, learning to assess source will help you separate the wheat from the chaff in the vast sea of online information.
Online Research Tools
Types of Online Research Tools
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- Search engines (Google, Bing) allow journalists to find a wide range of information across the open web
- Strengths include the vast scope of information indexed and the ability to find recent news and developments
- Limitations include varying credibility of sources and potential for information overload
- Library databases (, , ) provide access to scholarly journals, books, and other academic sources
- Tend to have more authoritative and peer-reviewed content compared to the open web
- Often require subscriptions through educational institutions or libraries
- News archives (, ) contain extensive collections of current and historical news articles and press releases
- Allow journalists to research coverage of past events and track evolving narratives over time
- May have limited coverage of smaller local publications compared to major national/international outlets
- Specialized databases focus on specific subject areas and types of content
- Examples include for medical research, for corporate filings, and for social science preprints
- Provide more targeted and technical information for stories on niche topics
Effective Use of Online Research Tools
- Understanding the scope and limitations of each tool is crucial for finding the most relevant and reliable information
- For example, indexes academic literature but may not have the latest news coverage
- Nexis Uni has extensive news archives but limited scholarly content compared to library databases
- Many online research tools require paid subscriptions for full access to content
- Journalists often access these subscriptions through universities, employers, or public libraries
- Open web tools like Google are free but may have less authoritative/vetted information
- Developing strong search strategies is key to locating relevant information efficiently
- Use specific keywords and phrases related to the story topic and angle
- Apply filters like date ranges, source types, and subject areas to refine search results
- Utilize advanced search operators and techniques (covered in the next section) for more targeted queries
Advanced Search Techniques
Crafting Targeted Search Queries
- Phrase searching using quotation marks returns only exact matches for the full phrase
- Example: "climate change" will return only results containing that exact wording
- Useful for finding specific named entities, quotes, or titles
- Proximity searching looks for keywords that appear within a specified distance of each other
- Example: tax NEAR/3 reform will return results where "tax" and "reform" appear within 3 words of each other
- Helps find connected concepts and names that may not always appear as an exact phrase
- Truncation and wildcard symbols expand searches to include variant word endings and spellings
- Example: investigat* will return results containing investigate, investigated, investigation, etc.
- Most databases use * for multiple characters and ? for single characters
- Boolean operators AND, OR, and NOT allow for more precise combinations of search terms
- AND requires all terms to be present, OR allows any of the listed terms, NOT excludes certain terms
- Example: (football OR soccer) AND (concussion OR "traumatic brain injury") NOT helmet
Searching for Specific Content Types
- Site-specific searching with the site: operator limits results to only pages from a specified domain
- Example: site:nytimes.com "climate change" will return only pages from nytimes.com mentioning that phrase
- Useful for finding information from specific reputable sources or for comparing coverage across outlets
- Numeric range searching with greater than (>) and less than (<) operators helps locate data and statistics
- Example: "unemployment rate" >5% will return mentions of unemployment rates higher than 5%
- Can also be used for date ranges, prices, and other numeric values
- Field searching looks for keywords only in specific fields like title, author, publication, or abstract
- Example: au(smith) AND ti(climate change) in a database would find articles by authors named Smith with "climate change" in the title
- Syntax varies by database; some use drop-down menus or advanced search forms for field searching
- Format-specific searches use file type extensions to find specific content formats
- Example: report filetype:pdf will return only PDF reports, excluding web pages and other document types
- Useful for finding authoritative long-form content like government reports, scientific papers, and data tables
Source Credibility Assessment
Factors to Consider in Evaluating Online Sources
- Author expertise and credentials indicate if the creator has relevant subject knowledge and authority
- Look for academic degrees, professional experience, prior publications, and institutional affiliations
- Be cautious of anonymous or uncredentialed authors, especially for complex topics
- Publishing organization's reputation and editorial standards reflect on the likely reliability of its content
- Established newspapers, scientific journals, government agencies, and academic institutions tend to be more credible
- Blogs, special interest sites, and user-generated content platforms require more careful vetting
- Cited evidence and sources allow you to assess the factual basis and research behind the content
- Credible articles include references and links to authoritative sources to back up claims
- Be skeptical of content with no sources or that relies mostly on other questionable websites
- Information currency is important for topics where understanding may evolve rapidly
- Check publication dates and look for the most recent authoritative information, especially on scientific and tech topics
- Older content may be outdated or disproven by new evidence, but can still be useful for historical analysis
- Potential biases and conflicts of interest may skew the presentation of information to favor certain viewpoints
- Consider if the author or organization has political, ideological, or financial incentives to make certain arguments
- Disclosure statements, "about us" pages, and third-party coverage can help identify potential biases
Heuristics and Tools for Assessing Credibility
- Domain suffixes provide clues about the organization type, but are not foolproof indicators of reliability
- .edu (educational), .gov (government) and .org (nonprofit) sites often have authoritative content
- However, some reputable outlets use .com and anyone can obtain a .org domain
- Searching for other coverage on the same topic helps gauge the credibility and consensus around particular claims
- Compare information across multiple authoritative outlets to determine the weight of evidence
- Extraordinary or contradictory claims may indicate an unreliable source, especially if uncorroborated
- Fact-checking websites like Snopes, PolitiFact, and FactCheck.org investigate the veracity of notable claims
- Useful for checking potential misinformation and viral content
- Keep in mind fact-checkers' own potential biases and the limited scope of claims checked
- Lateral reading by opening multiple tabs to research a source's credibility is more effective than relying on site descriptions
- Perform web searches on the author, organization, and claims to see what trusted sources say about them
- Use Wikipedia (with caution) to gain quick background information on a source's reputation and history
Citing Online Information
Ethical Attribution Practices for Journalists
- Journalists must properly cite information to credit original sources and provide transparency to readers
- Shows the story is well-researched and allows readers to verify information
- Avoids plagiarism by clearly distinguishing original reporting from information gathered elsewhere
- In-text attribution should be provided for specific facts, statistics, quotes, and ideas from sources
- Can be placed in the lead for key facts or woven throughout the story (e.g. "According to a 2020 Pew Research study, ...")
- Should include enough detail for readers to identify and find the original source
- Expert interviews should be clearly attributed with the source's full name, title, and affiliation in first reference
- E.g. "said Jane Smith, professor of economics at the University of Michigan"
- Subsequent references can use just the last name or a title like "Dr. Smith"
- Aim to quote sources in their own words to convey authority
- Paraphrase or summarize to synthesize key points in your own words
- Avoid long verbatim passages without quotes, as this may be seen as plagiarism even with attribution
Formats for Citing Online Sources
- Hyperlinks to original online sources should be included in the text or list of citations
- Allows readers to easily access the original context and assess credibility
- Use descriptive link text rather than raw URLs for readability (e.g. "a 2020 Pew Research study found..." with "study" linked)
- Formal citation styles may be appropriate for longer, in-depth stories to fully document sources
- Common styles include Chicago Manual of Style notes/bibliography and APA parenthetical citations
- Check with editors for house style guides on preferred citation formats
- Footnotes are useful for including detailed source information without disrupting the story flow
- Indicated with superscript numbers in the text and corresponding notes at bottom of page or end of story
- Can include author, title, publication, date, URL and accessed date for web sources
- Embedded links and parenthetical citations are suitable for shorter web stories to avoid clutter
- Include key source details and a link in the text where information is referenced
- E.g. (Source: EPA report on air quality, 2021) with "report" linked to the original document
Key Terms to Review (25)
Academic databases: Academic databases are organized collections of information and resources, primarily scholarly articles, journals, and research papers, that facilitate access to credible academic content. These databases are essential tools for students and researchers, as they provide a structured way to search for and retrieve high-quality information that is often peer-reviewed and reliable.
Boolean operators: Boolean operators are special keywords that are used to refine and enhance search queries in online databases and research tools. They include 'AND', 'OR', and 'NOT', which help users combine or exclude terms to produce more relevant search results. By leveraging these operators, researchers can efficiently narrow down their focus, ensuring they find the most pertinent information while conducting their searches.
Citation generators: Citation generators are online tools that automatically create citations in various formats, such as APA, MLA, and Chicago, based on the information provided by the user. These tools save time and effort by formatting bibliographic references accurately, which is essential for academic integrity and proper sourcing in research.
Credibility: Credibility refers to the trustworthiness and reliability of a source or piece of information. In the context of writing, it is essential for ensuring that facts and interpretations are taken seriously by the audience, as it establishes the writer's authority and integrity. Maintaining credibility involves careful balancing of facts with interpretation, avoiding conflicts of interest, handling sensitive topics with care, and utilizing reputable online research tools and databases.
Data Storytelling: Data storytelling is the process of using data to tell a compelling narrative that helps people understand complex information in a clear and engaging way. This involves combining data analysis with visual elements and storytelling techniques to present insights that resonate with the audience. By weaving a narrative around data, it becomes easier to convey important messages and drive decision-making.
EBSCO: EBSCO is an online research platform that provides access to a vast collection of databases containing academic journals, magazines, books, and other resources. This platform is widely used by students, educators, and researchers to find credible information across various disciplines, making it an essential tool in the landscape of online research tools and databases.
EDGAR: EDGAR, which stands for the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system, is a platform used by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to facilitate the electronic submission of financial documents by publicly traded companies. This system plays a crucial role in making corporate information readily accessible to investors and the general public, enhancing transparency in the financial markets.
Factiva: Factiva is a comprehensive online database that provides access to a vast collection of news articles, business information, and multimedia from around the world. It serves as a powerful research tool, enabling users to search for and retrieve relevant content across various industries and topics, making it invaluable for journalists, researchers, and students alike.
Google Scholar: Google Scholar is a freely accessible web search engine that indexes the full text or metadata of scholarly literature across various formats. This tool provides access to a vast range of academic resources including articles, theses, books, conference papers, and patents, making it an essential resource for students and researchers seeking credible information.
Industry reports: Industry reports are comprehensive documents that provide an in-depth analysis of a specific industry, covering market trends, competitive landscapes, consumer behavior, and economic forecasts. These reports serve as valuable resources for understanding the dynamics within an industry and are often compiled by market research firms, financial analysts, or industry associations to aid businesses and investors in decision-making.
Infographics: Infographics are visual representations of information or data designed to communicate complex information quickly and clearly. They combine graphics, charts, and text to make data more engaging and easier to understand, often simplifying difficult concepts for the audience.
Jstor: JSTOR is a digital library that provides access to thousands of academic journals, books, and primary sources across various disciplines. It serves as a vital research tool for students, scholars, and researchers, facilitating access to a wealth of knowledge and fostering academic collaboration.
Keyword searching: Keyword searching is a technique used to locate specific information by entering relevant words or phrases into a search engine or database. This method relies on the concept that the more precise the keywords, the more accurate and relevant the search results will be, allowing users to filter vast amounts of information efficiently and effectively.
Metadata: Metadata refers to data that provides information about other data, essentially acting as a label or description that helps in organizing and managing information. This can include details such as the author, date created, file size, and content type, which make it easier to search, retrieve, and understand the context of the underlying data. In online research tools and databases, metadata plays a crucial role in facilitating access to and organization of vast amounts of information.
Nexis Uni: Nexis Uni is an advanced online research tool that provides access to a vast collection of legal, news, and business information. It integrates various databases and allows users to conduct comprehensive searches, making it a valuable resource for researchers, journalists, and legal professionals. Its user-friendly interface and powerful search capabilities facilitate efficient research across multiple disciplines.
Peer-reviewed articles: Peer-reviewed articles are scholarly papers that have been evaluated and critiqued by experts in the same field before publication. This process ensures that the research presented is of high quality, credible, and contributes meaningfully to the body of knowledge in that discipline. The peer review process serves as a quality control mechanism that helps maintain the integrity of academic literature.
Plagiarism prevention: Plagiarism prevention refers to the strategies and practices employed to avoid the unauthorized use of someone else's work or ideas without proper attribution. It encompasses a range of methods, including educating individuals about citation practices, using plagiarism detection tools, and fostering a culture of academic integrity. Effectively preventing plagiarism ensures that original contributions are respected and that creators receive appropriate recognition for their work.
Proper attribution: Proper attribution refers to the ethical practice of giving appropriate credit to the original sources of information, ideas, or quotes used in writing and reporting. It is crucial for maintaining transparency, trust, and credibility in journalism and writing, particularly when utilizing online research tools and databases that provide access to various materials.
ProQuest: ProQuest is a comprehensive online research database that provides access to a vast collection of academic resources, including journals, dissertations, newspapers, and other types of publications. It serves as a vital tool for researchers, students, and educators, enabling them to find reliable information across various disciplines and formats.
Public Record Databases: Public record databases are organized collections of information that are maintained by government agencies and made available to the public. These databases often include vital records, property records, court records, and other documents that provide transparency and accountability in government operations.
PubMed: PubMed is a free search engine accessing primarily the MEDLINE database of references and abstracts on life sciences and biomedical topics. It connects users to a wealth of peer-reviewed articles, studies, and clinical research, making it a vital resource for anyone looking to gather reliable information in the health and medical fields.
Reference management software: Reference management software is a digital tool that helps researchers and writers organize, store, and cite their sources effectively. It streamlines the process of gathering research materials, generating citations, and creating bibliographies, allowing users to focus more on their writing. This software often integrates with word processors and provides features like collaboration tools and online database access.
Search algorithms: Search algorithms are computational methods used to locate specific data or information within a larger dataset or database. These algorithms are critical for efficiently navigating the vast amount of information available online, allowing users to retrieve relevant results based on their queries. They can vary in complexity and efficiency, depending on the structure of the data and the type of search required.
Source verification: Source verification is the process of confirming the authenticity and reliability of information from its original source before publishing or reporting it. This step is crucial to ensure that the information is accurate, trustworthy, and presented in a way that respects the subjects involved, especially when dealing with sensitive issues. Effective source verification helps to build credibility, mitigate legal risks, and manage conflicting information while navigating various online tools for research.
SSRN: SSRN, or the Social Science Research Network, is an open-access repository that provides a platform for researchers to share and disseminate scholarly research in the social sciences and beyond. It facilitates the rapid distribution of research findings, making them accessible to a global audience, which enhances collaboration and engagement among scholars.