Academic databases

Definition

Academic databases are organized collections of scholarly articles, research papers, and other academic resources that facilitate the search for credible information. These databases often provide access to peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, theses, and more, making them essential tools for students and researchers seeking reliable sources for their work.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Academic databases include both free and subscription-based resources, with many universities providing access to their students.
2. Common academic databases include JSTOR, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, each catering to different fields of study.
3. The quality of sources found in academic databases is generally higher than that of general internet searches, as they focus on scholarly content.
4. Searching through academic databases often involves using specific keywords and filters to narrow down results effectively.
5. Users can often export citations directly from academic databases in various formats, making it easier to cite sources correctly.

Review Questions

• How do academic databases enhance the credibility of research sources?
  • Academic databases enhance the credibility of research sources by providing access to peer-reviewed materials written by experts in various fields. This peer-review process ensures that the articles meet high standards of quality and reliability. Since the information is curated and evaluated before publication, researchers can trust that they are using accurate and well-supported evidence in their work.
• Discuss the advantages of using academic databases over general search engines for research purposes.
  • Using academic databases offers significant advantages over general search engines like Google. Academic databases focus on scholarly content, meaning users can access peer-reviewed articles and authoritative sources that are not typically found through standard search engines. Furthermore, these databases allow users to apply filters for publication date, subject area, and type of resource, enabling more efficient and targeted searches. This leads to a higher likelihood of obtaining relevant and credible information.
• Evaluate the impact of academic databases on the accessibility of research in various disciplines.
  • Academic databases have significantly impacted the accessibility of research across disciplines by centralizing vast amounts of scholarly information in one location. They provide a platform for researchers from different fields to share their findings with a global audience, promoting collaboration and interdisciplinary work. Additionally, many academic databases are increasingly offering open-access options, allowing broader public access to research that was once behind paywalls. This democratization of information fosters innovation and drives progress in numerous fields by making valuable resources available to anyone interested.

Related terms

peer-reviewed: A process in which scholarly work is evaluated by experts in the field before publication to ensure quality and credibility.

scholarly articles: Research papers written by experts in a specific academic field that present original findings or comprehensive reviews of existing literature.

citation: A reference to a source used in academic writing, which provides information about the author, title, publication date, and other relevant details.