A Beginner's Guide to Semantic Scholar

Declan Gessel

May 15, 2024

Semantic Scholar is a powerful tool that can aid users in finding reliable sources. One useful feature is the ability to assess the CRAAP of a source. Utilizing the CRAAP test can help users understand the value of a source before making any conclusions.

What is a Semantic Scholar?

Semantic Scholar is a free AI-powered tool that is designed to make research easier and more efficient. Unlike traditional search engines that focus on simple keyword searches, Semantic Scholar uses AI algorithms to understand the meaning and connections within scientific papers. This allows for a deeper level of understanding and relevance in research results.

Analyzing Citations and References for Meaningful Research Recommendations

One of the key features of Semantic Scholar is its ability to analyze citations, references, and the overall context of research. By understanding the broader conversation within a field of study through analyzing citations, the AI can recommend relevant research that may not contain your exact keywords but is highly valuable. This feature ensures that users can access a wider range of resources that are pertinent to their research interests.

Understanding the Overall Context: Taking Research to the Next Level

Scientific papers are complex documents with specific methodologies, results, and conclusions. Semantic Scholar's AI can analyze the overall context of research papers by considering the research question, methodology, data analysis, and conclusions.

This capability allows the tool to identify relevant papers and understand how they fit into the bigger picture of a particular field of study. By focusing on the broader context of research, Semantic Scholar provides a more comprehensive and insightful research experience.

Getting Started With Semantic Scholar

team looking to get started on Semantic Scholar

1. Head to the Starting Point

The first step is simple – just visit semantic scholar research publications in your web browser. No registration is required to begin exploring the vast collection of scientific literature.

2. Ask Your Research Question

Use the search bar at the top of the homepage to enter keywords or phrases related to your topic. Semantic Scholar's AI analyzes the entire context of a paper, including the full text, citations, and references, going beyond basic keyword matching.

3. Explore by Topic

If you're not sure of the precise keywords, don't worry. Search for broader topics like "climate change" to get a curated list of papers categorized within the topic.

4. Find Research by Author

Enter the author's name in the search bar to access a list of their published works and explore their research contributions easily.

5. Dig Deeper with Specific Papers

Copy and paste the title of the paper or the Digital Object Identifier (DOI) into the search bar to go directly to the paper's dedicated page and access the full text and related research.

6. Refine Your Search with Filters

Use filters to narrow down your search and find the most relevant results based on the field of study, publication date, and specific publication sources.

Write smarter, not harder with Jotbot. Start writing for free with Jotbot today — sign in with Google and get started in seconds.

Fine-Tuning Your Search with Filters

students working together on Semantic Scholar

Focus by Field

Narrow down your search to specific academic disciplines. Are you researching climate change? Filter by "Environmental Science" to see research focused on that area.

Time Travel Through Research

Want to see the latest findings? Use the publication date filter to see articles published within a specific timeframe, like "Past Year" or "Past Five Years."

Target Credible Sources

Some journals hold more weight in certain fields. You can filter by specific publications or publishers to focus on highly respected sources in your area of study.

These filters allow you to personalize your search and ensure you're diving into the most relevant and up-to-date research available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Semantic Scholar

person with cat understanding Semantic Scholar

Is Semantic Scholar Better Than Google Scholar?

When it comes to academic research, both Semantic Scholar and Google Scholar are valuable resources. Semantic Scholar uses advanced AI to provide more relevant and comprehensive search results for scholarly articles, while Google Scholar is a more general search engine that covers a wider range of topics in addition to academic research.

Semantic Scholar is better than Google Scholar for in-depth research in specific fields. The AI technology employed by Semantic Scholar enables it to organize and recommend high-quality research papers based on their content, making it easier for researchers to find relevant information quickly. Google Scholar can be more diverse in its search results since it covers a broader range of topics beyond academic research. It is a great tool for general research or learning about a topic outside the realm of academic research.

Both tools have their strengths, and some users might find value in using them together. Semantic Scholar's AI capabilities differentiate it and set it apart from other databases. Still, Google Scholar's longer-standing service in the industry is trusted and respected by researchers and students alike.

Write smarter, not harder with Jotbot. Start writing for free with Jotbot today — sign in with Google and get started in seconds.

Can I Read the Full Text of Papers?

Semantic Scholar doesn't directly host the full text of every paper. However, it often links to the publisher's website or other repositories where the full text might be available. Additionally, Semantic Scholar can sometimes provide summaries of the research, giving you a good overview without needing the full article.

Is Semantic Scholar Completely Free?

Yes! Semantic Scholar is a free-to-use platform with no hidden fees or subscriptions. This makes it a valuable resource for students, independent researchers, and anyone with a curious mind who wants to explore the world of scientific literature.

Write Smarter With Jotbot — Start Writing for Free Today

One of the best tools to help you with your writing is Jotbot. It’s a personal assistant for your documents. This tool will help you take notes when you are using AI. It will also summarize video content for you. If you need citations or sources, Jotbot can find them for you.

Jotbot can even write an outline for your essays. It is so advanced that it can write entire essays for you. The best part is that you can join the 500,000+ writers, students, teams, and researchers around the world to write more, write better, and write faster with Jotbot. You can start writing for free with Jotbot right now. All you need to do is sign in with Google, and you will be ready to go in seconds.