Research in Psychology

Encyclopedias and reference books

• Remember that beginning your research with specialized encyclopedias can provide a wealth of background information and overviews, with references and citations that can help lead you to more in-depth books and scholarly articles.  The following titles are shelved in the Ramsey Library Reference collection:

Comprehensive Handbook of Psychological Assessment (2004): REF.BF176.C654 2004
Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology and Behavioral Science (2001); REF.BF31.E52 2001
A Dictionary of Psychology (2001); REF.BF31.C65 2001
Encyclopedia of Human Behavior (1994); REF.BF31.E5 1994
Encyclopedia of Psychology (2000); REF.BF31.E52 2000
Magill's Encyclopedia of Social Science: Psychology (2003); REF.BF31.M33 2003

Finding books and media materials

• The library catalog lists books, media, and journal holdings for UNCA, ASU, and WCU. Useful resources can be found through keyword searching, and by searching some predictable subjects such as those listed below.

Tip: If you're uncertain about a subject heading, first do a keyword search. When you find a good book, click on one of the subject links to find similar items.

Online periodical indexes and access to psychology journals

Every type of psychological study or practice has its own journals in which authors report their original research findings. Many of these scholarly journals are peer reviewed by other recognized experts in the field for accuracy, validity, quality, adherence to research standards, documentation, or other criteria.  Journal articles are excellent for keeping up with current trends and topics from a variety of viewpoints.

• To find articles about topics in psychology, try searches in the following periodical index databases:

InfoTrac Academic OneFile: Indexes articles (with selected full-text) from a wide variety of subjects including psychology and other social sciences.

PsycINFO - Comprehensive index to the scholarly literature of psychology. Provides links to selected full-text American Psychological Association articles (via PsycARTICLES).

ERIC - Index to the literature in education, including educational psychology.

PubMED - Comprehensive medical index to psychiatry and related fields.

• Once you've found article information, you can perform a Periodical Title search in the library catalog to check for journal holdings and possible electronic full-text access.
   
• Or link to access to our online psychology journals via the E-Journal A-to-Z List.

Guides to psychology research and writing

Library Use: A Handbook for Psychology (2003); BF76.8.R43 2003
The Psychologist's Companion: A Guide to Scientific Writing for Students and Researchers (2003); BF76.8.S73 2003
Writing Literature Reviews: A Guide for Students of the Social and Behavioral Sciences (1999); H61.8.G3 1999
Beginning Research in Psychology: A Practical Guide to Research Methods and Statistics (1995); BF76.5.D94 1995
Displaying Your Findings: a Practical Guide for Presenting Figures, Posters, and Presentations (2003); BF76.8 .N53 2003

Tests and measurements

The Mental Measurements Yearbook (annual, provides test descriptions & test review citations); REF BF 176 .Z9 M46
Comprehensive Handbook of Psychological Assessment (4 volumes); REF BF 176 .C654 2004
Tests: a Comprehensive Reference for Assessments in Psychology, Education, and Business (5th ed.); REF BF176 .T43 2003

Web resources

Citing Sources - Links to APA and other style guidelines for citing traditional and electronic resources.

ETS Test Collection Database - Educational Testing Service’s library of tests and other measurement devices providing information on standardized tests. Provides a comprehensive listing of assessment instruments from the early 1900's to the present.

PsycPort - APA site created to provide quick access to news and mass-media information related to psychology.

Psychological Research on the Net - An annotated list of psychological research currently being conducted on the web.

Writing a Psychology Literature Review - A guide from the University of Washington.

WCU graduate student?

Link to the counseling research guide and resources available from Hunter Library.

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Updated 10 August 2006. Comments to the Library Web Team.