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1. Find Basic Background Information
At this stage, you’re mostly looking for introductory information, but many sources contain information on the sourcestheyused.
For example, when reading any study or evaluation, note the sources cited in these readings so you can look into them further during the next phase of the research process.
Finding sources often involves following a trail of leads, starting with general information and drilling down to more specific ones.
2. Use Your Library
The next step is to visit your library in person or online. The basic background research from the previous step should have yielded hints on what to look for. If you get stuck, ask a librarian for assistance.
When you’ve located some books on your topic, browse through the references listed in each. Think of the bibliography in each book as a guide to possible sources.
Finding a Good Research Topic
For example, “substance use disorder” is too wide a topic to fully cover in a limited number of pages. To narrow it down, think of specific questions people might have, such as “How does drug use affect the health and well-being ofcollege students?” Often, this yields a topic to delve into fully.
3. Use Online Databases to Access Periodicals
PsycINFO, PsycNET, EBSCOhostOnline, and other relevant databases are typically available through your library or educational institution. If you’re not sure how to access them or perform a search, seek assistance from a librarian.
4. Search for Online Sources
Check with your instructor about acceptable or preferred kinds of online sources. These might take the form of forums, blogs, informational websites, or articles from journals, newspapers, and magazines.
Some publishers offer free access tofull-text articles.
5. Critically Evaluate Each Source
Carefully investigate each source to determine if it’s credible and appropriate for your paper. Note the authors, publisher, sponsors, and age of the information,
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6. Create a Working Bibliography
Even if your instructor doesn’t require a bibliography, It can be a very helpful tool. Abibliographyis a list of all the sources you might use in your paper. For your personal use, briefly annotate each entry in your list with a description. As you outline your paper, refer back to your working bibliography for sources that back your arguments, analysis, and claims.
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A Few More Tips for Finding Psychology Sources
In general:
A Word From Verywell
Although finding psychology sources for your papers can be challenging, breaking the process down into steps can make it a lot less daunting. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask your instructor or library staff for help—it’s what they do.
SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association(7th ed.). Washington DC: The American Psychological Association; 2019.
Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association(7th ed.). Washington DC: The American Psychological Association; 2019.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Psychological Association.Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association(7th ed.). Washington DC: The American Psychological Association; 2019.
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