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Content database vs. indexing database
A content database (e.g., ScienceDirect, JSTOR) gives access to full-text material. An indexing database (e.g., Scopus, Web of Science) evaluates and tracks citation performance and journal quality, they serve different jobs, not interchangeable ones.
In context
You'll usually need this when deciding whether you need full text or citation data, since one database rarely gives you both well.