PSYC 2272 (Dr. Byrd): Professional Psychology
Purpose: To acquaint you with materials in Cornette Library and on the World Wide Web that will make research for your assignment easier.
Reference Sources
- Excellent place to start research.
- Provide background information.
- Include basic information sources like dictionaries, encyclopedias, bibliographies, chronologies, and research guides.
Subject Encyclopedias
- Provide in-depth, scholarly articles, focused on a specific subject or discipline. Often include bibliographies.
- The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Social Psychology
- HM251 .B476 1999 (netLibrary)
- Articles range from brief definitions to in-depth discussions of concepts. Bibliographies for each topic, comprehensive index, and text search feature. International in scope.
- Encyclopedia of Psychology
- BF31 .E52 2000 (Reference)
- 8-volume set with articles about concepts, theories, and personalities in psychology. Articles include bibliography. Index in final volume includes minor terms that do not have separate entries.
- Handbook of Child Psychology
- BF721 .H242 2006 Ref.
- Extensive articles on all aspects of development, includes references. Complete index in each of 4 vol.
- Mental Measurements Yearbook
- Z5814.P8 B932 Ref.
- Often referred to as "Buros" in honor of first editor. Descriptions and summaries of various psychological tests.
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Books
- Cornette Library's Online Catalog
- Includes books, government documents, videos, journal titles, etc. available throughout the Library. Suggested searches include:
- a keyword search for your subject, such as psychology methods.
- the general LC subject heading psychology -- research -- methodology.
- narrower, more specific subject headings such as psychology -- history -- 19th century or psychologists -- professional ethics -- case studies.
To determine the most appropriate subject headings for your search, refer to the red Library of Congress Subject Headings near the Reference computers in the Library or search the online Library of Congress Authorities Catalog.
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Journal, Magazine, & Newspaper Articles
Provide current information
- Library shelves contain more than 1500 bound and current journals.
- Microform (film or fiche) available for dozens of leading newspapers, as well as other periodicals.
- Databases index articles found in journals and magazines.
- Citation only;
- Citation and a short summary of the article (abstract);
- Full text;
- General, covering many kinds of topics, and specialized, for specific disciplines.
- For this assignment you are required to use peer-reviewed journals (also known as refereed journals). To determine this status:
- Look at the submission guidelines for the journal.
- Use the identification from the database, such as PsycINFO.
- Check the journal description in either the direct link to Ulrich's Periodical Directory or the link provided in the SFX pop-up window.
How to Access Databases
- On-campus: In the library or HELC.
- Off-campus: Login with your Buff Advisor username (for example, js123456) and your Buff Advisor password (for example, buffaloes).
- Database citations not in full-text may be located in Cornette Library's online catalog, or the list of online journals.
- Use Interlibrary Loan to request articles inaccessible through Cornette library. Allow up to 1-2 weeks for articles to arrive.
Which database?
- PsycINFO
- THE citation index for Psychology. Includes scholarly journals and books. Use special search features such as Publication Type, Age, Intended Audience, and Language to refine search.
- PsycARTICLES
- Full text of APA journals from Vol. 1, Issue 1 to present. These articles are in PDF form in PsycINFO
Logo
- Displays in most of our databases. Links from a citation to one or more of the following:
- One or more links to full-text of the cited article,
- A link to a pre-set search of the Cornette Library catalog for the cited item,
- A link to a pre-filled Interlibrary Loan request form for the article, or
- A link to various help options.
- For more information see the tutorial Using SFX to Link to Articles
Need Help?
- Ask at the Reference Desk (first floor) or Periodicals Desk (second floor).
- Call 651-2215 during the hours Cornette Library is open.
- Use the "Ask A Librarian" form for electronic reference help.
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Citing Your Sources
Why must I cite the sources I use for research projects?
- To give credit to the author of the information you use.
- To avoid plagiarism (WTAMU Code of Student Life: Appendix I-Academic Integrity Code). Plagiarism is a serious offense that can result in a failing grade or worse!
- So that others can verify the information.
- To assist others in doing their own research.
APA Manual
- Dr. Byrd requires you to use APA Citation Style.
- A copy of the newest edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association is located at the Reference Desk.
- Additional assistance is available from our Citation Basics web page.
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Your Comments
- Suggestions for improvements?
- Particularly helpful items?
- Please email Linda Chenoweth.
Thank you.
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