A journal may be peer-reviewed, but that doesn’t mean that all information in that journal is actually refereed, or reviewed. For example, editorials, letters to the editor, or book reviews aren’t peer-reviewed parts of the journal.
Use the hints below to get you started.
How do you determine if it’s a peer-reviewed journal article?
Finding peer-reviewed articles:
1. Limit your database search to peer-reviewed journals only. Some databases, such as Academic Search Complete and other Ebsco databases have this feature on the initial search screen.
2. Check Details in the information provided by a Journal Titles search or Ulrichsweb (on the Databases’ list) to determine if the journal is indicated as being peer-reviewed.
3. Review the journal’s publication details to see if it is peer-reviewed. If you can PHYSICALLY look at the journal, information in the About or Submission sections will provide details on the editorial review process. If the journal is only available online, look at the details provided within the database about publication. Academic Search provides a link and provides publication details, including scope and type of journal, including whether it is peer-reviewed.
4. Look at the official Web site of the journal on the Web. Check About or Submission Guidelines to see if it states that the journal is peer-reviewed. Don’t just look at web pages about the journal – go to the publisher’s web page for the most accurate information.
[adapted from http://www.angelo.edu/services/library/handouts/peerrev.php]
Some of your search terms will describe your specific topic and some the nature of your interest. In both cases, you need to be flexible, observant, and imaginative. Before searching for journal articles, look for encyclopedia articles or books that might give you an overview of the subject area, describe aspects of it that you were unaware of, and expose you to terminology that had not occurred to you. Exploring an interest in the rhetoric of Japanese gardens, I might discover references to specific types, such as Zen gardens or tea gardens. I would learn about their history and representation in art, from which I would discover the names of significant artists. I would also realize that my search for journal articles should employ terms such as "design," "composition," "form," or "motif" rather than "rhetoric." When I began searching for journal articles, I would make use of databases devoted to art and architecture, history, religion, and philosophy, as well as general humanities and rhetorical studies.
Getting Started with Your Research
I recommend that you start by asking yourself concrete questions. As you gain a clearer picture of what you want to accomplish you can generate, and then refine, a plan of action.
Advanced Search (if that is not the default)
Dropdown box to choose search field (such as Author, Title, Subject, All Text)
Way to restrict type of document, date,
Way to download a pdf.
Way to email a link or a citation.
Types of Articles You May Find in Education Journals
Types of Scholarly Articles:
Reports on empirical research, which may be quantitative, qualitative, or mixed.
Some examples include case studies,observational research (laboratory or naturalistic), surveys, experiments testing the relationship between variables, etc.
Theoretical articles that explore the history, philosophy, or other cultural expression of ideas relevant to an understanding of education.
Types of Non-scholarly Articles:
Personal perspectives, which may take the form of an essay, an editorial, a blog, or other undocumented genre.
Articles in newspapers and general interest magazines.
Interviews (these may be primary sources, but they are not documented research).
Practical advice or tips based on personal experience.
Letters to the editor.