Welcome to the course guide for PSYC 2400T. Here, you will find a number of resources to help you get started using library tools and research tips to get started with your research.
A detailed Subject Guide for Psychology is available and provides a list of databases, handbooks, encyclopedia, dictionaries, databases, and more.
Using Omni, the library search box
Our Omni help guide (with a live demo video) will provide you with helpful information including:
- Differences between Omni and the Library Catalogue
- Differences between Omni and Summon
- How to find books using Omni
- How to find articles using Omni
- How to login to Omni to access your library account
- How to reset your password
- How to configure Google Scholar to access articles through Omni
- Known issues with Omni
Scholarly/academic vs. popular sources
Knowing the difference between scholarly/academic and popular sources is a fundamental skill. This video explores the idea of scholarly/academic vs. popular sources.
Primary, secondary, and tertiary sources
Distinguishing between primary, secondary and tertiary sources is an essential research skill. The library provides detailed information about each here.
Generate ideas for a topic and develop a keyword strategy
Generating ideas and developing a keyword strategy will help you find more relevant material when conducting searches. Below you will find a video that discusses this idea in greater detail. Boolean Operators are a great way to start developing stronger search strategies, this research tip sheet outlines some of the more popular Boolean Operators as well as outlines some additional search strategies.
Finding articles from citations
This video breaks down the components of a citation and helps you find articles using that citation.
Locating sources from an existing article (citation chaining)
Citation chaining can be a useful research strategy for finding more relevant/recent research on your topic. This video looks at citation chaining as a research strategy.
Critically evaluate information found online for reliability
Use the C.R.A.P. Test to evaluate the quality of online content.
More research help
Feel free to explore even more How-to Guides in our library's complete listing here.