Article Databases
ERIC, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar are the most generally useful article databases for education topics. For some topics, additional databases may be useful.
The Search Tutorial section of this guide provides quick instruction on using databases to find articles. Tips for Finding Full Text will help you get to the full article.
If you haven't used these databases before or you have a topic that is difficult to search it might be a good idea to make a Zoom appointment with a librarian. See Schedule Appointment button on this page.
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PsycINFO This link opens in a new windowSubjects: Psychology, Education, Business, Communication, Linguistics, Social Work
Info type: scholarly articles, book info, conference papers, dissertations
How To: ProQuest Basics
Locating Quantitative and Qualitative Articles in PsycINFO
PsycINFO Quick Reference Guide -
Google Scholar with EMU Full Text This link opens in a new windowSearch for scholarly materials on any topic
Info type: scholarly articles, books, research reports, theses, working papers, cited sources
Access Tips: Use link above to get access to EMU subscriptions with Findtext+ links.
If this link does not work and you receive an error message from Google then use this alternate link to Google Scholar and also set your Google Scholar preferences to show EMU library access links.
Search Instruction: Google Scholar Video -
ERIC This link opens in a new windowKey source for Education articles and reports. To update results use Supplemental Education Index.
Info type: scholarly articles, professional articles, dissertations, ERIC documents
Brief how to video: ERIC Basics
Look up Subject terms: Thesaurus on ERIC.gov -
Supplemental Education Index This link opens in a new window
Use this database to update results after using ERIC in order to get more articles from 2025 and later. You won’t be able to search by grade level.
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Social Services Abstracts This link opens in a new windowSubjects: Social Work, Social Problems, Poverty, Disabilities, Gerontology
Info type: scholarly articles, book reviews, dissertations
Brief How-To Video: ProQuest Basics -
ProQuest PowerSearch This link opens in a new windowNote: This allows you to search content in multiple databases at once, including ERIC, PsycINFO, Social Services Abstracts, and more. However, it won't include some of the special search options available in the individual databases.
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Web of Science This link opens in a new windowSearch for articles in Science & Social Science journals and see which articles cite an article
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Retraction WatchThis free database lists journal articles and conference presentations that have been retracted due to errors, plagiarism, article duplication, ethical violations, or other concerns.
Additional Databases for History Topics
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America: History and Life This link opens in a new window
Subjects: American History
Info type: scholarly articles, magazine articles, book & video info, dissertation info -
Historical Abstracts This link opens in a new windowSubjects: World History (excludes U.S. and Canada)
Info type: scholarly articles, book info
Indexing of historical articles from more than 2,600 journals in over 40 languages; Access to the full text of more than 400 journals and 140 books; Coverage dates as far back as 1954, with some coverage for titles back to the early 20th century -
JSTOR This link opens in a new window
Archive of back issues for many journals, some academic ebooks, and research reports.
Subjects: Covers most subjects
Info type: scholarly journals, professional periodicals, ebooks.
Access Tips: Usually the most recent 3-5 years are not available in JSTOR. However, EMU may have a current subscription. Check the Journal Titles search.
Conference Papers
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AERA Online Paper Repository"The AERA Online Paper Repository is an open access clearinghouse, with abstracts, of all scientific presentations given at AERA annual meetings since 2010. More than half include full-text papers voluntarily contributed to the repository by annual meeting presenters."
Systematic or Comprehensive Reviews
Systematic reviews summarize the best available primary research on a specific question.
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Best Evidence Encyclopedia - BEEOffers meta-analyses or other quantitative syntheses that provide "summaries of evidence on the effectiveness of programs or practices used with children in grades K-12, focusing on achievement outcomes." From the the Johns Hopkins University School of Education's Center for Data-Driven Reform in Education.
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Cochrane Library This link opens in a new window
This library is composed of six databases containing Cochrane reviews, systematic reviews, clinical trials, and methods, assessments, and economic studies in health care.
Search Instruction: Searching the Cochrane Library pdf
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EPPI Centre Knowledge LibrarySystematic reviews from a center at the University College London include education topics.
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What Works ClearinghouseThe " WWC identifies studies that provide credible and reliable evidence of the effectiveness of a given practice, program, or policy (referred to as “interventions”), and disseminates summary information and free reports."
