Research Tips. Useful Tools.

Tips from the Librarian:

What is a "peer reviewed journal?"
  • When using Google use the advanced search and limit sites to .edu and .gov. Also, use the word "journal" in your search if that's the type of article you are looking for.
  • If you are not finding what you need check the "search tips" for each search engine.
  • Few science journal articles are free. If you find something useful, review the abstract and introduction and take the citation. The full text article may be available for free through the school , state or university databases.
  • Know the purpose of your source. Is it to sell a product? Who is the intended audience?  scientist, student or layperson?
  • If you have any questions, ASK THE LIBRARIAN!
Not all academic journals are peer reviewed. Although writers are viewed as experts, they may have some ideas that are really "out there".
Peer review is a process an article undergoes before it is published. Therefore it is more likely to be scientifically valid and reach reasonable conclusions. 
steps:
  • Article is submitted to a journal for publication
  • It is reviewed anonymously by different experts for content, methodology  and conclusions
  • The researcher does not know the reviewers or their names. This is a "double blind" which means people's bias cannot affect how the article is reviewed. Therefore the article succeeds or fails on its own merit, not the reputation of the expert.
  • The researcher receives the article back and makes any necessary corrections or changes and then re-submits the article for publication.
A peer reviewed article is considered more credible then an open access or non-peer reviewed journal. 
How do you know if the journal is "peer reviewed"?
  • Limit your database search to peer-reviewed journal only.
  • Refer to Ulrichsweb.com ( UAF) or look closely at the print version cover
  • Does it use technical terminology? Does the article format approximate the following: abstract, literature review, methodology, results, conclusion and references?
  • Is advertising non-existent or kept to a minimum? Are there references listed in footnotes or bibliographies?