Academic research is inevitable in a student’s life. Middle school, high school, college, and graduate students must rely on credible sources in paper and digital form. Some prefer reading printed papers, while others prefer the convenience of digital sources.
So, which type of source material is best? Is there a better choice? Below, we weigh the pros and cons of digital and paper sources for academic research to help you decide.
What Is Academic Research?
Academic research is an investigation process used to gain knowledge through study and experimentation. This type of research requires students to gather reliable data from credible sources and analyze it to draw meaningful conclusions. Paper sources, such as books and journals, and digital sources, like websites and databases, are helpful in academic research.
Types of Academic Research Sources
People have relied on paper sources for centuries in academic research. Students had to go to libraries and archives to collect sources of evidence for their studies. However, with the rise of digital sources, they can now access different digital sources without leaving their homes.
What are the different types of academic research sources available in print and digital formats?
Journals and Books
Books and journals are paper sources that contain a vast amount of scientific evidence. They provide in-depth information on academic topics, giving researchers access to reliable data. Journals are usually published monthly or quarterly, while books can take months or years to publish.
News and Magazines
News and magazines are paper sources that present the latest information on various topics. They provide valuable insights into current affairs, making them great for students researching recent events.
Trade Sources
Trade sources are paper and digital sources that specialize in a particular industry. They provide useful data on the trends and developments in the industry, allowing researchers to gain a better understanding of their topics.
Conference Proceedings
Conference proceedings are paper sources that contain the proceedings of scientific conferences. They give researchers access to research papers at conferences, providing them with supporting insights into their topics.
Government Documents
Government documents are paper and digital sources containing data from governmental agencies. They provide researchers with reliable data on policy, law, and other topics related to their work.
Theses and Dissertations
Theses and dissertations are paper sources that contain the findings of a research project. Depending on the topic, they may support or contradict each other, giving researchers access to valuable evidence.
Some sources only available as paper sources, such as books and journals, are now also available in digital formats. Regardless of the format, all academic sources must have the following:
- Specific, narrowly focused topics in in-depth articles
- Contains previously unpublished research and details new developments in the field
- Written, reviewed, and critically evaluated by specialists and researchers in the subject area
Now, let’s say you have listed all your credible sources. Should you access them digitally or in print form? It could be a matter of preference. Paper sources provide a more physical and tactile experience, while digital sources offer convenience and accessibility. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of both formats and understand their differences better!
Advantages and Disadvantages of Paper Sources
Paper sources, such as books and journals, have existed for centuries. They are a reliable data source for researchers, providing in-depth information on their chosen topics. You can find them in libraries and archives or even print copies of sources you found online. Here are the advantages of using paper sources:
Tangible
Paper sources have a physical presence you can see and feel, which matters to some learners. They can be easier to navigate and annotate than digital sources.
Accuracy
Paper sources can be more accurate than digital sources, as they are peer-reviewed and verified by experts. Paper sources are often more up-to-date than digital sources, making them reliable for research.
Naomi Baron determined in her research between 2013 and 2015 that 86% of university students preferred reading longer texts in print. 92% said it was easiest to concentrate when reading print. Therefore, many learners rely on paper sources! Nevertheless, there are also some disadvantages to consider:
Expensive
Paper sources can be expensive and difficult to obtain. For example, a single journal issue may cost several hundred dollars.
Time-Consuming
Print sources can take time to access, as you must physically go to the library or bookstore and purchase the material.
Susceptible to Damage
Paper sources can be damaged easily, so you must give them special care to keep them in good condition. Paper books are also vulnerable to pests.
Pros and Cons of Digital Sources
Digital sources such as websites, e-books, and PDFs provide researchers with convenience and accessibility. You can access them from any device with an internet connection! Here are the key advantages of using digital sources:
Freely Available
Digital sources are usually freely available, allowing you to access and download materials anywhere.
Searchable
You can easily search for information in digital sources by keyword.
Eco-Friendly
Digital sources are eco-friendly, not requiring physical paper or printing.
In the 2014 study “Is Google making us stupid? The impact of the internet on reading behavior,” researchers determined that reading digitally increased the amount of reading and improved speed and skimming abilities. However, digital sources also have their disadvantages:
Distractions and Multitasking
It can be challenging to focus on digital sources due to the many online distractions. Constant notifications and the ability to multitask make concentrating on the material difficult.
Security Risks
Digital sources can be more vulnerable to hackers and data breaches, which could compromise your privacy and security.
Change in Patience Levels
Digital sources can make readers less patient; they expect immediate results without waiting for physical sources to arrive.
Eye Strain and Headaches
Reading digital sources can cause eye strain, headaches, and neck pain.
Scanning Rather Than Reading
Many readers tend to scan digital sources rather than read them properly, leading to a lack of comprehension.
The Better Choice
Some generations, specifically the younger ones, prefer digital sources as they barely use physical sources. Older generations and some students who need to focus and read in-depth prefer paper sources over digital ones. However, it’s different for all ages.
Digital and paper sources have benefits, so it ultimately depends on the individual and their specific task.
Moreover, it’s possible to achieve the best of both worlds. Paper sources are the most reliable and accurate, while digital sources provide convenience, accessibility, and searchability.
However, in The New Zealand Listener 2018 interview, Maryanne Wolf said that reading in print allows us to “slow down and give time to sophisticated deep reading processes.” Therefore, students get to do the following:
- Discern truth
- Apply critical analysis
- Gauge inference
- Develop empathy
- Appreciate beauty to reach the knowledge and wisdom necessary to sustain a good society.
Every student has unique learning styles and preferences, so finding the best source for you is essential. Maximize paper and digital sources to get the best of both worlds and grow into a “bi-literate” reader!
Print and Digital Learners
Students who want to get the best of both worlds can use hybrid approaches. Paper sources are reliable, accurate, and provide a better sense of concentration, while digital sources provide flexibility, ease of access, and the ability to search for information quickly.
Finding a balance between the two types of sources is possible, but it depends on your learning style. Ultimately, using both is the best way to maximize your research capabilities and achieve success!
FAQs
What is the best type of source for academic research?
The best type of source for academic research depends on the specific research question and the type of information needed. Generally, academic sources such as scholarly articles, books, and peer-reviewed journals are considered the most credible and reliable sources. These sources have been reviewed and approved by experts in the field and are often subject to rigorous editorial and peer-review processes.
Which is better, paper or digital?
Both paper and digital sources have their pros and cons. Digital sources offer the convenience of being easily accessible and searchable but may also be more prone to errors, biases, and misinformation.
Paper sources, on the other hand, may be more reliable and trustworthy but can be harder to access and may be subject to limitations such as space and storage.
Why are academic print sources generally more credible than online sources?
Academic print sources are generally considered more credible than online sources because they are often subject to more rigorous editorial and peer-review processes. Online sources are often self-published or published by non-experts, which can lead to inaccuracies and biases. Additionally, online sources can be easily altered or deleted, making it difficult to verify the accuracy of the information presented.
What are the best sources of information for research?
The best sources of information for research are those that are reliable, credible, and relevant to the research question. These can include academic sources such as books, scholarly articles, peer-reviewed journals, government reports, statistics, and data sets.
References:
https://guides.westoahu.hawaii.edu/research/print-online
https://guides.library.ucsc.edu/distinguish-between-popular-and-scholarly-journals
https://nmsu.libguides.com/sources/types
https://apiar.org.au/blog/top-10-benefits-of-using-academic-journals-online-for-scholarly-research/
https://natlib.govt.nz/blog/posts/reading-on-screen-vs-reading-in-print-whats-the-difference-for-learning
https://sheridancollege.libguides.com/academic-research
https://theconversation.com/do-students-lose-depth-in-digital-reading-61897
https://aisel.aisnet.org/bled2014/1/