Can I use Google for research?
Google is often useful for:
- Defining terms and concepts
- Brainstorming keywords for research
- Locating images and video resources
- Finding official statistical data
- Discovering government reports
- Searching for specific websites
Google may not be useful for:
- Looking for scholarly resources
- Searching for peer reviewed resources which can be found in library databases
When should I use Google Scholar?
Google Scholar searches for academic sources. It can be useful for:
- Looking for grey literature such as conference proceedings, or resources from sources that may not appear in library databases such as online repositories, professional societies, or universities
- Finding articles on named instruments such as the Beck Depression Inventory
- Finding who has cited an article
- Locating obscure references or items cited incorrectly
Google Scholar does have some issues such as:
- Lack of filters, including study design
- Algorithm issues like a preference for older, frequently cited review articles
While Google Scholar may not be best for answering clinical questions, it does still have a purpose in research.
