A brief introduction to the different kinds of academic research publications and the different sources of academic research
Kinds of academic research publications
Peer-reviewed journal article
Peer-reviewed journal articles are focused publications that make a single argument. Sometimes, they draw from data from a single study. Other times, they draw from data from multiple studies. Journal articles are usually between 5000 and 12000 words. “Peer-reviewed” means that the article has been reviewed by at least one other researcher working in a similar area to determine its quality. Often, this is done anonymously, with neither author nor reviewer knowing each other’s identities: this is intended to make the process more rigorous.
Monograph
A monograph is a book published on a single research project or the work of a single researcher. It makes a lengthier, although still quite focused, argument.
Example: Bailey, C. (2021) Researching Virtual Play Experiences: Visual Methods in Education Research. Springer.
Edited collection
A book made up of chapters written by different authors and drawn from separate research projects to address a particular theme. Often includes an introduction that sets the tone or background for the rest of the chapters.
Example: Lee, C., Bailey, C., Burnett, C., and Rowsell, J. (eds.) (2022). Unsettling Literacies: Directions for literacy research in precarious times. Springer.
Blog
Sometimes, researchers will write up a short argument or series of thoughts related to a piece of research prior to its publication in a more formal context.
Example: Hackett, A., Macrae, C., Shannon, D. B., (2023). Supporting Young Children’s Language Through Place and Movement At Humber Museums Partnership’s Museums.
Research report
A research report summarises the key findings of an entire research project. They are often written with a wider variety of audiences in mind, and so tend to be written in an accessible way.
Example: Colvert, A. (2018). The Oracles Final Report: Mapping the Affect and Effects of Immersive Play in Key Stage 2.
Sources of academic research
Open access
Open access means that the publication (be it an article, a monograph, or an edited-collection) can be read for free. Some journals are entirely Open Access. However, most journals require paid subscriptions, with certain articles published Open Access (for instance, where the author’s institution has paid an ‘Article Processing Charge’).
Database
Databases can be used to search for research. Some databases are free, such as Google Scholar. Others require a paid subscription, or can be accessed via a university login, such as the British Education Index.
Social media
Many scholars post about their new publications on social media.