Psychology Research Guide

Background research can help you:

• narrow down a broad theme into a smaller topic
• learn the basics of your topic
• develop a list of keywords to use when searching for more sources
• develop a research question and/or thesis statement

Starter databases:

• simple, browseable databases meant to help students with background research
• often contain credible reference articles, but can also have viewpoint essays
• a good alternative or supplement to Wikipedia

Best starter databases for Psych topics:

Gale eBooks Tutorial

• This database has subject-specific encyclopedia articles which provide simple topic overviews.
• A perfect way to get to know your topic before diving deeper into scholarly research.
• Watch the video below to learn more:

Try it out!

Recommended eBooks

Recommended Books in the Library

Browse the library stacks by subject matter:

• BF500s Affection; feeling; emotions; motivation
• BF698 Personality
• BF712-724 Developmental Psychology