When it comes to academic research, citing credible sources is essential. One of the most important types of sources to cite is peer-reviewed empirical research reports. As a research student, it can be difficult to understand the significance of peer-reviewed research and how to find credible sources. In this post, we will break down why it is important to cite only peer-reviewed empirical research reports in academic research and provide tips for finding and citing these sources.
What is peer-reviewed research?
Peer-reviewed research is research that has been evaluated by a panel of experts in the field before it is published. This process ensures that the research meets the standards of the scientific community and has been rigorously reviewed for accuracy, validity, and reliability. Peer-reviewed research is considered the gold standard in academic research because it has been vetted by experts in the field.
What is empirical research?
Empirical research is research that is based on the collection of data through observation or experimentation. This type of research is characterized by its systematic and rigorous approach to data collection and analysis. The goal of empirical research is to produce results that are objective, unbiased, and reliable.
Why cite only peer-reviewed empirical research reports?
Citing only peer-reviewed empirical research reports is important for several reasons. First, it adds credibility to your own research. When you cite peer-reviewed research, you are demonstrating that your research is based on established data and evidence-based findings. This adds objectivity to your own research by relying on established data and evidence-based findings.
Second, citing peer-reviewed empirical research reports adds replicability to your own research. Empirical research that is published in peer-reviewed journals provides detailed descriptions of research methods and data analysis, making it possible for other researchers to replicate the study. This is important because it allows other researchers to build on your work and verify your findings.
Third, peer-reviewed research reports are generally more up-to-date than other types of sources, making them an important source of current information for research. By citing only peer-reviewed empirical research reports, you are ensuring that your research is relevant and addresses the most recent findings in the field.
How to find peer-reviewed empirical research reports
Finding peer-reviewed empirical research reports can be challenging, but there are several strategies that you can use to find credible sources. First, use academic databases such as Criminal Justice Abstracts, JSTOR, Scopus, and Web of Science. These databases provide access to peer-reviewed research reports in a wide range of disciplines.
Second, use Google Scholar. Google Scholar is a search engine that indexes scholarly literature, including peer-reviewed research reports. However, it is important to verify that the sources you find are peer-reviewed. Rely on this only if you don’t have access to library databases! It wastes a lot of time and takes a lot of skill to filter the results.
Finally, check journal websites. Many academic journals have websites that provide access to their articles, including peer-reviewed research reports.
How to cite peer-reviewed empirical research reports
When citing peer-reviewed empirical research reports, it is important to follow the guidelines of the citation style used in your discipline. The most common citation style for social sciences is APA (American Psychological Association) style. The citation should include the author’s name, the year of publication, the title of the article, the title of the journal, the volume number, and the page numbers, as well as provide a DOI link.
Citing only peer-reviewed empirical research reports is essential for the credibility, objectivity, replicability, and currency of your research. By following these guidelines and using credible sources, novice research students can ensure that their research is based on established data and evidence-based findings and is relevant and up-to-date.
Pro Tip: Use Criminal Justice Abstracts (If You Can)
Criminal Justice Abstracts is a specialized database that focuses specifically on criminal justice research. As a result, it contains a wealth of relevant and current information for criminal justice students. Using Criminal Justice Abstracts allows students to efficiently search for peer-reviewed empirical research reports, as well as other types of sources, such as dissertations, conference proceedings, and government reports. Additionally, Criminal Justice Abstracts provides access to research from a wide range of disciplines, including sociology, psychology, law, and criminology. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to explore criminal justice topics from multiple perspectives and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the field. Overall, Criminal Justice Abstracts is an excellent resource for criminal justice students who are looking for credible and relevant sources to support their research.
Developed by Adam J. McKee.
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