Library Catalog: Books, government information, and videos
Use Keywords only as search words. Don't type complete ideas.
Sample searches: emotions or stress psychology.
How do I know if a source is scholarly or popular?
- Peer-reviewed (scholarly) journals - geared towards experts in a particular field; generally include information that is reviewed by members of the professional or academic community
- Clues: frequently includes "journal" in title; generally long articles; usually lists author credentials; frequently does not include pictures or photographs; almost always includes bibliographic citations; generally does not have advertisements
- Example:
Virtual University. By: Schank, Roger C.. CyberPsychology & Behavior, Feb2000, Vol. 3 Issue 1, p9-16.
- Popular magazines - directed towards the average reader; usually written on topics of popular interest or current events
- Clues: articles generally are not longer than 5 pages; more likely to include pictures or photographs; rarely includes bibliographic citations; generally includes advertisements
- Example:
The Virtualizing of Education; Samuel L. Dunn; Futurist;Mar/Apr 2000; Vol. 34, Iss. 2; pg. 34, 5 pgs
- For a definition of scholarly journal, see Library Terms and Concepts from Walden University.
How do I know if an article is current?
- Check the article date. Certain research (e.g., medical or legal topics) requires extremely timely information. However, depending on the topic, information from years ago may still be valid and helpful.
- If no article date, check for dates or references to historical events within the body of the article.
- Statistical information should be clearly dated. The text or notes should indicate the date and source of statistics.
How do I know if an article is suitable?
Skim through the first page of the article, does it contain the information that you want? Does the article contain technical or specialized language? If so, the article is probably written by experts in the field and may be more advanced than you need. Does the article contain information that is too general or too specific for your needs?How do I know information about the author?
Identifying the author - an author is usually recognizable because it is a person's name; in some cases, an author is an organization. - In Psychological and Behavioral Sciences Collection's initial list of titles, authors always follow the word "By:".
Locating an author's credentials - an author's credentials could include degrees earned, affiliations with professional organizations, or the instititution where the author works. Often, there is some type of contact information. Seeing author credentials is often an indication that you have a scholarly article. - Clues: author information usually comes at the end of a full-text article in a database
- Example
Thad Wilson, RN, CS, FNP, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 221 Health Science Bldg., 2220 Holmes St., Kansas City, MO 64108-2676 (Wilsontr@umkc.edu); and Sandy Harman, RN, CS, MSN, FNP, Family Nurse Practitioner, 25 West Porter, Marshall, MO 65340 (shannan@mid-mo.net).
How do I know what type of article I have?
Articles may be categorized as research reports, case studies, popular writing, descriptive project or theoretical paper.
- Research report - usually includes hypothesis and results of study; report shows evidence of standard research design practices (review of literature, collection of data/ methodology, results, analysis, recommendations, and conclusions).
- Case study - focuses on the collection and presentation of detailed information about an individual or small group; a case study provides understanding of a complex issue through description and analysis of a single case (or small group of cases).
- Descriptive project - provides a description of existing issue or object, may be formal or informal in tone.
- Opinion paper - usually identified as representing the views of the author. Their purpose is to analyze issues, ideas, or current events, and present original analysis. Opinion/editorial articles can be found in newspapers, magazines, and scholarly journals.
- Popular writing - writings that are intended for general readers. Often includes accompanying photographs or illustrations.
- Theoretical paper - generally a discussion in which the author draws on existing research literature to advance a theory. Often the author presents his own theory, but may be an analysis of existing theory.
For additional guidance on evaluating sources, see Evaluating Websites: Quick Guide or Evaluating Information Checklist
Search Engines: Internet or Web Sites
• Digital Librarian / Psychology - includes a large collection of related sites organized by a New York librarian.
• Diversity Rx - sponsored by the The National Conference of State Legislatures and health-related organizations - provides information related to meeting the health care needs of immigrants, refugees, and other diverse groups
• MayoClinic.com, updated daily sponsored by the noted Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, provides health updates and preventative care information.
• MedlinePlus - a database maintained by the NIH's National Library of Medicine, it offers much of its content in Spanish as well as English
• Mental Health Net - Listing of mental disorders with symptoms and treatment.
• Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy
• NIH (National Institutes of Health) - Connect here to get to the many institutes that fall under the jurisdiction of the NIH. Specialty sites for various diseases and disorders offer a rich repository of information. Use the NIH search engine to find specific information.
• Psych Web - Comprehensive psychology site for teachers and students.
• PubMed - Search Medline's nine million citations to medical journals with links to participating online journals.
• Texas Department of Health - Health related data and information.
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Need Help??
If you need additional help, please feel free to contact a librarian during open hours.