Academic databases

Definition

Academic databases are organized collections of scholarly resources, including articles, journals, theses, and books, that are used for research and study purposes. These databases provide access to peer-reviewed content, ensuring the credibility and reliability of the information found within them, making them essential for conducting thorough and accurate research.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Academic databases often require subscriptions for full access, but many institutions provide students with free access through their libraries.
2. They cover a wide range of disciplines, from humanities and social sciences to science and technology, making them versatile tools for researchers.
3. Common academic databases include JSTOR, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, each serving different fields and types of research.
4. The use of academic databases can significantly enhance the quality of research by providing access to primary sources and high-quality secondary literature.
5. Many academic databases include advanced search features that allow users to filter results by date, author, publication type, and more.

Review Questions

• How do academic databases enhance the quality of research compared to non-scholarly sources?
  • Academic databases enhance the quality of research by providing access to peer-reviewed materials that are credible and reliable. Unlike non-scholarly sources that may lack rigorous evaluation, the content in these databases has been vetted by experts in the field. This ensures that researchers can trust the information they are using to support their claims and findings, leading to more robust and valid conclusions.
• Evaluate the role of peer-reviewed journals in academic databases and how they contribute to scholarly communication.
  • Peer-reviewed journals play a crucial role in academic databases by maintaining high standards of quality and credibility in scholarly communication. By subjecting articles to review by experts before publication, these journals ensure that only well-researched and valid contributions are disseminated within the academic community. This process not only enhances the integrity of the published work but also fosters ongoing dialogue and debate among researchers, advancing knowledge in various fields.
• Synthesize how understanding the features and functionalities of academic databases can improve a student's research strategies.
  • Understanding the features and functionalities of academic databases can significantly improve a student's research strategies by enabling them to effectively locate relevant information. By knowing how to utilize advanced search options, apply filters, and navigate indexing systems, students can streamline their research process. Additionally, recognizing the importance of using peer-reviewed sources helps students build stronger arguments supported by credible evidence, ultimately enhancing the quality of their academic work.

Related terms

Peer-reviewed journals: Publications that require articles to undergo a review process by experts in the field before they can be published, ensuring high academic standards.

Citation: A reference to a source of information that credits the original author or creator, often used in academic writing to support claims.

Indexing: The process of systematically organizing content within a database to facilitate easy retrieval and searching of information.