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Ogundoju Loveth

The document compares academic databases and search engines, highlighting their differences in functionality, content quality, and accessibility. Academic databases provide specialized search capabilities and credible, peer-reviewed information, making them suitable for scholarly research. In contrast, search engines offer broad access to a wide range of content but lack the reliability and depth necessary for rigorous academic inquiries.

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22 views2 pages

Ogundoju Loveth

The document compares academic databases and search engines, highlighting their differences in functionality, content quality, and accessibility. Academic databases provide specialized search capabilities and credible, peer-reviewed information, making them suitable for scholarly research. In contrast, search engines offer broad access to a wide range of content but lack the reliability and depth necessary for rigorous academic inquiries.

Uploaded by

adeyosola2024
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Name: Ogundoju Loveth Iyinoluwa

Matric number:S124304016

Department: Political science and international relations

Answer

Introduction
In academic research, the choice of information sources directly influences the quality and
reliability of outcomes. While both academic databases and search engines are used to locate
electronic information, they differ significantly in purpose, structure, and credibility. These are
differences between academic databases and search engines based on functionality, content
Quality and accessibility:

1. Functionality

Academic databases are designed with specialized search capabilities that support complex
research needs. According to the document, they allow for advanced techniques such as
Boolean operators, truncation, phrase searching, field searching, and filtering. These tools
enable precise retrieval of scholarly materials, enhancing the research process. In contrast,
search engines does not described in detail in the document, they lack this depth of
functionality. Their searches are broad, often based on keyword relevance rather than structured
metadata, making them less effective for in-depth academic inquiries.

2. Content Quality

Academic databases contain credible information sourced from peer-reviewed journals, books,
and conference proceedings. These resources undergo rigorous fact-checking, ensuring
accuracy and scholarly integrity. In contrast, search engines index a wide range of content from
across the internet, much of which is not subject to academic scrutiny. The lack of quality control
in search engines makes their content less suitable for academic purposes, where authority and
reliability are paramount.

3. Accessibility

Academic databases are often subscription-based or institutionally licensed, which means


access is typically restricted to affiliated users, such as university students and staff. Some may
be open access, but this is less common. This controlled access ensures users engage with
curated and verified content. On the other hand, search engines are freely accessible to the
public, offering convenience but at the cost of content reliability and scholarly relevance. The
ease of access in search engines does not compensate for the lack of quality assurance found
in academic databases.
Conclusion

In summary, academic databases and search engines serve different roles in the research
process. Academic databases offer structured, credible, and research-focused content with
advanced functionality, making them ideal for scholarly work. Search engines, while easily
accessible, lack the depth, reliability, and specificity needed for rigorous academic research. For
any serious academic endeavor, the use of academic databases is not just recommended—it is
essential.

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