Literature Review: Search Engines and Databases

When conducting a literature review for research in the humanities and social sciences, there are several search engines and databases that can be particularly useful.

Literature Review: Search Engines and Databases

Search Engines and Databases

When conducting a literature review for research in the humanities and social sciences, there are several search engines and databases that can be particularly useful. Here are some popular options:

Scopus: 

Scopus is a multidisciplinary abstract and citation database that covers a wide range of research literature. It includes journal articles, conference papers, book chapters, and patents. Scopus provides citation metrics, allowing researchers to track citations and analyze the impact of publications. It is considered a reliable resource for academic research.

Web of Science: 

Web of Science is a citation-indexing database that covers a vast array of scholarly literature. It includes high-quality journals and conference proceedings in various disciplines. Web of Science provides citation analysis and allows researchers to track citations, identify influential articles, and explore related research through citation connections.

ERIC: 

ERIC (Education Resources Information Center) is a database focused on educational research and literature. It includes journal articles, reports, conference papers, dissertations, and other resources related to education. ERIC is a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners in the field of education.

Google Scholar: 

Google Scholar is a widely used search engine that indexes scholarly literature from various disciplines, including the humanities and social sciences. It provides access to a wide range of academic sources, including journal articles, books, theses, conference papers, and more.

JSTOR: 

JSTOR is a digital library that offers access to a vast collection of scholarly journals, books, and primary sources. It is particularly strong in the humanities and social sciences, covering disciplines such as history, sociology, literature, anthropology, and more. 

ProQuest: 

ProQuest is a comprehensive database that provides access to a wide range of scholarly resources, including journals, dissertations, newspapers, magazines, and more. It covers a broad range of disciplines, including the humanities and social sciences.

EBSCOhost: 

EBSCOhost is a platform that offers access to a variety of research databases covering multiple disciplines, including humanities and social sciences. It includes databases such as Academic Search Complete, SocINDEX, PsycINFO, and more, which provide access to a wide range of scholarly articles and other resources.

Project MUSE: 

Project MUSE is a digital platform that provides access to a collection of high-quality humanities and social sciences journals and books. It covers a wide range of disciplines, including literature, history, philosophy, cultural studies, and more.

SocArXiv: 

SocArXiv is an open-access preprint server dedicated to the social sciences. It allows researchers to share their working papers, conference papers, and preprints related to various social science disciplines, providing access to the latest research in the field.

Shodhganga: 

Shodhganga is a digital repository of electronic theses and dissertations from Indian universities. It provides open access to research works submitted by scholars pursuing their doctoral degrees in India. Shodhganga is a valuable resource for accessing research outputs from Indian universities across various disciplines.

These search engines and databases can help you find scholarly articles, books, and other relevant resources for your literature review in the humanities and social sciences. It's always recommended to explore multiple sources and databases to ensure comprehensive coverage of the literature in your research area.

How ascertain the credibility of such search engines and databases?

When assessing the reliability and credibility of search engines used for literature review in the humanities and social sciences, there are a few factors to consider:

Source Selection: 

The search engine's ability to include reputable and scholarly sources is crucial. Look for search engines that prioritize academic journals, books, and other scholarly publications in the humanities and social sciences. Databases like JSTOR, ProQuest, and EBSCOhost are known for their inclusion of reliable sources.

Peer Review: 

Check if the search engine indexes peer-reviewed literature. Peer-reviewed articles undergo a rigorous evaluation process by experts in the field, ensuring higher quality and credibility. Many databases specifically include peer-reviewed sources or allow you to filter search results by peer-reviewed content.

Publisher Reputation: 

Consider the reputation of the publishers and platforms that the search engine includes in its results. Established publishers with rigorous editorial standards tend to publish more reliable and credible content. Familiarize yourself with reputable publishers in the humanities and social sciences to assess the reliability of the search engine's results.

Database Indexing: 

Investigate how comprehensively the search engine indexes relevant databases in the humanities and social sciences. Look for databases dedicated to these disciplines, such as those specializing in humanities journals or social sciences databases like Sociological Abstracts or PsycINFO. A comprehensive indexing of relevant sources increases the likelihood of finding reliable literature.

User Reviews and Recommendations: 

Consider the feedback and recommendations from other researchers and scholars who have used the search engine for their literature reviews. Read reviews or seek recommendations from trusted sources to gauge the reliability and effectiveness of the search engine in the humanities and social sciences.

Access to Full Text: 

Check if the search engine provides access to full-text articles or at least offers links to reputable sources where you can access the complete content. Having access to the full text allows for a thorough evaluation of the source's credibility and reliability.

Remember that search engines are tools for discovery, and it is essential to critically evaluate the individual sources retrieved by the search engine for their reliability, relevance, and academic rigour. Be cautious of non-peer-reviewed sources, biased publications, or low-quality sources that might be included in the search results. Always consider multiple sources and consult with experts in the field to ensure a comprehensive and reliable literature review.

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