Using Google Scholar is similar to fishing in the ocean. You will find and catch a wide variety of fish.
Google Scholar offers a wide variety of articles and resources on various subjects and topics.
Searching in Google Scholar can result in numerous hits with many being irrelevant to your specific subject or topic.
Using a Subject Specific database is similar to fishing in the New River. The New River specializes in a smaller variety of fish, and you are more likely to catch the type of fish you want.
Using a subject specific database helps to focus and narrow your search resulting in more relevant hits.
Searching Subject Databases
Basic Search
Search Tips
To search for an exact phrase, use quotation marks “ “ around the phrase
“achievement gap”
“student achievement”
“grade point average”
“standardized testing”
Use OR to search for similar or synonymous words
race OR ethnicity
adolescent OR teenager
Advanced Searches
Refine Your Search
Use the limit options on the left to refine your search results.
Contains over 3 million citations and summaries of scholarly journal articles, book chapters, books, and dissertations in psychology and related disciplines.
Index of scholarly works in the education fields; sources include journal articles, research reports, curriculum and teaching guides, conference papers, and books.
Tutorials
The following tutorials will assist you in conducting your research.