Academic database search

Definition

An academic database search is a systematic method of finding scholarly articles, research papers, theses, and other academic resources within specialized databases designed for academic research. This process allows researchers and students to access credible and peer-reviewed information that supports their studies and analyses, ultimately enhancing their understanding of a subject.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Academic databases often contain a vast array of resources, including journal articles, conference proceedings, books, and reports tailored for scholarly use.
2. Many academic databases require subscriptions or institutional access, making them reliable sources of information for students and researchers.
3. Utilizing advanced search features in academic databases can significantly improve the specificity and relevance of search results.
4. Databases may cover various disciplines, including science, humanities, social sciences, and more, catering to different academic needs.
5. Understanding how to effectively conduct an academic database search is crucial for developing independent research skills and engaging critically with existing literature.

Review Questions

• How does an academic database search enhance a student's ability to develop independent study skills?
  • An academic database search enhances a student's ability to develop independent study skills by providing access to a wide range of credible sources that are essential for conducting thorough research. By learning how to navigate these databases effectively, students can gather relevant information to support their arguments and analyses. This process encourages self-directed learning as students evaluate different resources and synthesize information from various perspectives.
• In what ways can understanding Boolean operators improve the effectiveness of an academic database search?
  • Understanding Boolean operators can greatly improve the effectiveness of an academic database search by allowing users to refine their searches with precision. For example, using 'AND' helps narrow results to include only articles that contain all specified keywords, while 'OR' expands the search to include any of the terms. This strategic use of operators enables researchers to filter through vast amounts of information quickly and focus on the most relevant resources for their work.
• Evaluate the impact of using peer-reviewed sources obtained through academic database searches on a student's analytical writing skills.
  • Using peer-reviewed sources obtained through academic database searches significantly impacts a student's analytical writing skills by providing a foundation of high-quality evidence. Engaging with this level of scholarly work encourages students to critically assess methodologies and findings presented in these articles. As students incorporate these credible sources into their writing, they learn to construct well-supported arguments and articulate complex ideas clearly, ultimately improving their overall analytical capabilities.

Related terms

Peer Review: A process in which scholarly work is evaluated by experts in the same field before publication, ensuring the quality and credibility of the research.

Boolean Operators: Logical operators (AND, OR, NOT) used in database searches to combine or exclude keywords, refining search results and improving the relevance of information retrieved.

Citation: A reference to a source used in research, providing details such as the author, title, publication date, and publisher, allowing readers to locate the original material.