Finding Psychology Sources for Research Papers

Introduction:

When writing a research paper in psychology, locating reliable and valid sources is crucial. Follow these steps to effectively find psychology sources for your research:

1. Start Broadly:

   • Begin your research with introductory sources, such as textbooks, encyclopedias, or general overview articles.
   • Gain a broad understanding of your topic and identify specific areas you want to explore further.
   • Note down the sources cited in these materials for potential references.

2. Utilize Library Resources:

   • Visit your library to access a wealth of resources, including books, journals, articles, and online databases.
   • Utilize the library catalog, search engines or databases to locate relevant materials.
   • Browse through the bibliographies and references of books and articles you find to discover additional sources.

3. Explore Online Databases:

   • Access online databases such as PsycINFO, PsycNET, or EBSCOhostOnline.
   • Use relevant keywords and phrases to conduct searches.
   • These databases provide access to journal articles, books, and other scholarly resources.

4. Evaluate Sources Critically:

   • Examine each source carefully to determine its credibility and appropriateness for your research.
   • Consider the author's qualifications, the publisher's reputation, and the relevance and currency of the information.
   • Ensure that the source is peer-reviewed if possible.

5. Compile a Working Bibliography:

   • Create a list of all the sources you find potentially useful for your research.
   • Include brief annotations for each entry to remind you of key points and findings.
   • Refer to your working bibliography as you outline and write your paper.

Additional Tips:

• Start your research early to allow ample time to find and evaluate sources thoroughly.
• Keep track of where you find your information to cite sources correctly.
• Seek guidance from your instructor or a librarian if you encounter difficulties finding appropriate sources.
• Proofread your work carefully to ensure proper citation and accurate referencing.

Remember: Finding reliable and relevant psychology sources is essential for a well-researched and credible research paper. By following these steps and applying critical thinking skills, you can locate and utilize trustworthy sources to support your arguments and enhance your research project.