How comprehensive is google scholar?

[Simfish]

A few professors have tried to show me how to look up articles using the traditional sources (such as web of science). But yet, I've grown up on google and I've grown so accustomed to believing that Google has everything, even though it probably doesn't.

Are there a lot of articles that don't end up getting on there?

Is there a better way to find the citation count for a particular author?

 

[fss]

Google doesn't get free access to every publication database. Search the online academic databases that your school probably pays a yearly subscription for their students to access.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Is there a better way to find the citation count for a particular author?

You might try what your professors are showing you.

 

[Chunkysalsa]

My university library provides a search over various journal databases with access to paid services that google won't provide you.

I'm sure your uni does something similar and that is 10x better than google.

 

[rezeew]

Google Scholar is a comprehensive database for scholarly literature, but it may not include all articles published in the traditional sources such as Web of Science. This is because Google Scholar relies on algorithms to index and rank articles, whereas traditional sources have a more rigorous and manual process for selecting and indexing articles. Therefore, it is possible that some articles may not be included on Google Scholar.

In terms of citation count for a particular author, Google Scholar can provide a general estimate but it may not be accurate or up-to-date. A better way to find citation counts is to use a citation index database such as Web of Science or Scopus, which have more accurate and comprehensive citation data. However, these databases may require a subscription or access through a university or research institution.

In conclusion, while Google Scholar is a useful tool for finding scholarly articles, it is not the only source and may not be completely comprehensive. It is always best to use multiple sources and databases to ensure a comprehensive and accurate search for scholarly literature.