Evaluating Reliability of Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science: A Study of Faculty in U.S. Advertising and Public Relations Programs. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodgers, Shelly; Zhang, Weilu
• Is Part Of: Journalism & mass communication educator. Volume 77:Number 3(2022)
• Page Start: 292
• Page End: 307
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: academic impact -- database performance analysis -- advertising and public relations research impact; Communication -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- United States -- Periodicals; Journalism -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- United States -- Periodicals; Mass media -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- United States -- Periodicals; 070.07
• DOI: 10.1177/10776958211064687
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-6958

Abstract

Reliability of Google Scholar (GS), Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS) is examined using publications and citations of 186 scholars in 14 U.S. advertising and public relations (ADPR) programs. Career duration is controlled, and an integrated impact (II) index is proposed as a practical solution. Results suggest there are trade-offs between the uncertainty of GS's search parameters for more inclusive coverage and the curated collections of Scopus and WoS that might undercount some influential authors or works. To further demonstrate the discipline's value, we must pay more attention to rigor and accuracy of methods that will lead to improved outcomes.