ScienceDirect – Bias and Credibility

These sources consist of legitimate science or are evidence-based through credible scientific sourcing.  Legitimate science follows the scientific method, is unbiased, and does not use emotional words.  These sources also respect the consensus of experts in the given scientific field and strive to publish peer-reviewed science. Some sources in this category may have a slight political bias but adhere to scientific principles. See all Pro-Science sources.

• Overall, we rate ScienceDirect Pro-Science based on publishing low-biased scientific research and studies. We also rate them High for factual reporting rather than Very High due to a failed fact check and the publication of open-access journals that are not always peer-reviewed.

Detailed Report

Bias Rating: PRO-SCIENCE
Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: Netherlands
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: EXCELLENT
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY

History

Founded in 1997, ScienceDirect is a website that provides subscription-based access to an extensive scientific and medical research database. It hosts over 12 million pieces of content from 3,500 academic journals and 34,000 e-books.

Read our profile on the Netherlands government and media.

Funded by / Ownership

ScienceDirect is owned and published by Elsevier, a Dutch information and analytics company and one of the world’s foremost scientific, technical, and medical information providers. It was established in 1880 as a publishing company.  Article abstracts are freely available, but access to their full texts (in PDF and, for newer publications, and HTML) generally requires a subscription or pay-per-view purchase.

Analysis / Bias

In review, ScienceDirect allows you to search a massive database of peer-reviewed journals, articles, book chapters, and open access content. There is zero political bias associated with ScienceDirect. The only blemish is that Open Access research can lack peer review; however, Open Access content is clearly labeled, so the reader is aware that it may not be peer-reviewed. In general, this is a fantastic tool for searching scientific research and information; however, caution must be used as some research is not peer-reviewed.

Failed Fact Checks

• There’s Evidence COVID-19 Vaccines Suppress Innate Immunity and Increase Risk To Infectious Diseases and Cancer – No Evidence

Overall, we rate ScienceDirect Pro-Science based on publishing low-biased scientific research and studies. We also rate them High for factual reporting rather than Very High due to a failed fact check and the publication of open-access journals that are not always peer-reviewed. (D. Van Zandt 11/27/2016) Updated (04/26/2022)

Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com