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What techniques can you use to evaluate the credibility of research databases?

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When you are conducting research for a journalistic project, you need to use reliable and authoritative sources of information. Research databases are collections of articles, books, reports, and other documents that can help you find relevant and credible information on your topic. However, not all databases are created equal. Some may have outdated, biased, or inaccurate content, or may not cover your topic comprehensively. How can you evaluate the credibility of research databases and choose the best ones for your needs? Here are some techniques you can use.

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1 Check the scope

The scope of a database refers to the range and depth of the content it covers. You want to use a database that matches your topic and the level of detail you need. For example, if you are writing about a specific aspect of environmental policy, you may not find enough information in a general database that covers many disciplines. You may need to use a specialized database that focuses on environmental studies or policy analysis. To check the scope of a database, you can look at its description, browse its categories, or do a preliminary search with keywords related to your topic.

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Stanislav Edward Shmelev, MA, PhD, EMBA

Founder and CEO at Environment Europe Foundation, author, speaker, ESG, Impact Investment, Ecological Economics, Sustainable Cities, Business Model Transformation, Sustainability Consultant at UNDP
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The most respected databases for published peer-reviewed articles are Scopus and Web of Science, followed by Google Scholar. It is essential to highlight peer-reviewed journals as the practice of peer-review is in a way a guarantee of quality of the published research results. The reputation and the Impact Factor of the journal is also important, however excellent research results could be published in journals, whose impact factor is not sky high. Scopus traditionally has a European focus, whereas Web of Science has a stronger representation of American academic journals. Google Scholar includes the so-called grey literature, that includes reports.

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2 Check the currency

The currency of a database refers to how up-to-date the content is. You want to use a database that contains the most recent and relevant information on your topic. For example, if you are writing about a current event or a fast-changing issue, you may not find useful information in a database that only has articles from several years ago. You may need to use a database that updates frequently or has a filter for publication date. To check the currency of a database, you can look at its update frequency, its coverage period, or its sorting options.

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3 Check the authority

The authority of a database refers to the quality and credibility of the sources it includes. You want to use a database that contains sources that are written by experts, peer-reviewed, or verified by reputable organizations. For example, if you are writing about a scientific or medical topic, you may not find reliable information in a database that has sources that are not based on evidence, research, or data. You may need to use a database that has sources that are published in academic journals, reports, or books. To check the authority of a database, you can look at its selection criteria, its source types, or its citation information.

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Stanislav Edward Shmelev, MA, PhD, EMBA

Founder and CEO at Environment Europe Foundation, author, speaker, ESG, Impact Investment, Ecological Economics, Sustainable Cities, Business Model Transformation, Sustainability Consultant at UNDP
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Most of the time the data coming from reputable organisations like the United Nations, the World Bank or OECD is considered top notch, however, oftentimes it is necessary to source data from the National government sources. Gaps in data availability are commonplace, especially in the light of delays between the calculation of, let’s say, National CO2 emissions and the time when this data becomes available at the UN. There are many gaps in social and environmental sustainability data, which often makes it difficult to make sound decisions on the matters of biodiversity restoration or environmental improvements. It is hugely important to check it the methodology that was used to calculate the dataset has changed over time.

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4 Check the accessibility

The accessibility of a database refers to how easy it is to access and use the content it provides. You want to use a database that has features that make your research process more efficient and effective. For example, if you are writing about a complex or controversial topic, you may not find clear information in a database that has sources that are hard to read, understand, or cite. You may need to use a database that has features such as abstracts, summaries, full-text access, or citation tools. To check the accessibility of a database, you can look at its interface, its search options, or its help resources.

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5 Check the diversity

The diversity of a database refers to the variety and representation of the perspectives and voices it offers. You want to use a database that has sources that reflect different viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds on your topic. For example, if you are writing about a social or cultural issue, you may not find balanced information in a database that has sources that are dominated by one group, ideology, or region. You may need to use a database that has sources that are from diverse authors, publications, or countries. To check the diversity of a database, you can look at its inclusion policies, its subject areas, or its geographic coverage.

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6 Check the relevance

The relevance of a database refers to how well the content it contains matches your research question and purpose. You want to use a database that has sources that answer your question, support your argument, or fill your knowledge gap. For example, if you are writing about a specific problem or solution, you may not find appropriate information in a database that has sources that are too general, too narrow, or too tangential. You may need to use a database that has sources that are focused, relevant, and applicable. To check the relevance of a database, you can look at its keywords, its abstracts, or its results.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Ali Al Ibrahim

Investigative journalist, lecturer and TED Fellow. Founder at SIRAJ. Researcher interested in policy analysis and economic.
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Data plays a crucial role in investigative reporting and in-depth analyses aimed at uncovering facts and measuring their impact in various crises, ultimately aiming to understand the backgrounds of events. Key questions every journalist should consider when dealing with data sources. What are the sources of data, and are they accurate and comprehensive? What definitions do these sources rely on, and what precisely is being measured? What are the interests of those providing the data? What methodologies are used to obtain these numbers? Are there potential data sources and research centers, and how can their methodologies and reliability be assessed?

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What techniques can you use to evaluate the credibility of research databases?

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1 Check the scope

2 Check the currency

3 Check the authority

4 Check the accessibility

5 Check the diversity

6 Check the relevance

7 Here’s what else to consider

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