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Gerontology at Webster University Library

Resources and services for Webster University.

Databases

Examples of gerontology journals

Why not just use Google Scholar?

While Google Scholar can be a useful source for finding journal articles, there are advantages found in using Webster University Libraries' databases, including:

  • Features that let you customize your search
  • Access to more full text materials
  • Integration with other library services (e.g., chat, delivery services, etc.).

For more information on using Google Scholar, view the FAQ: How can I connect Google Scholar to the Library?

How to recognize a scholarly, peer-reviewed article

What is a scholarly, peer-reviewed journal article?

Scholarly articles are sometimes "peer-reviewed" or "refereed" because they are evaluated by other scholars or experts in the field before being accepted for publication.  A scholarly article is commonly an experimental or research study, or an in-depth theoretical or literature review. It is usually many more pages than a magazine article.

The clearest and most reliable indicator of a scholarly article is the presence of references or citations. Look for a list of works cited, a reference list, and/or numbered footnotes or endnotes. Citations are not merely a check against plagiarism. They set the article in the context of a scholarly discussion and provide useful suggestions for further research. 

Many of our databases allow you to limit your search to just scholarly articles. This is a useful feature, but it is not 100% accurate in terms of what it includes and what it excludes. You should still check to see if the article has references or citations.

The table below compares some of the differences between magazines (e.g. Psychology Today) and journals (e.g Journal of Abnormal Psychology).

Comparing popular magazines and scholarly journals

  Popular magazines Scholarly journals
Reference list, citations no yes
Appearance flashy cover, photographs, advertisements mostly text, often graphs and charts of data, few ads
Titles short and catchy long and precise
Article length short long
Audience general public students, professionals, researchers
Authors staff writers, journalists practitioners, theorists, educators
Peer-review no yes
Publisher commercial company educational institution or professional organization

How to find scholarly, peer-reviewed articles