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Research Guide to Psychology

Resources and guidance for researching topics related to psychology.

Search for background info

If you're new to a topic, take some time to browse introductory sources to help you understand the basic elements and viewpoints.

Search tips

Conduct a keyword or subject search for one concept. Try closely related terms and synonyms, like:

  • emotions OR feelings
  • sociopathy OR antisocial
  • insomnia OR "sleep disorders"
  • cbt OR "cognitive behavioral therapy"

More reference databases

Like Credo, these library databases contain general and subject-specific reference materials, like encyclopedias and dictionaries.

Develop questions of fact

Next you'll want to develop several Questions of Fact. Answers to these questions have the potential to influence what you think about the topic, so avoid questions that will lead only to information that supports your current thinking.

Example topic:

effects of COVID-19 pandemic on children

Example Questions of Fact:

  • According to researchers, what effects did the COVID-19 pandemic have on children's development?
  • What changes have schools made to address students' learning loss and trauma post-pandemic?
  • In what ways did children's ages during the pandemic affect their emotional responses?

Your turn

Thinking about your own topic, identify at least one Question of Fact to research.

Scholarly articles & more materials

Ready to move on? See Digging Deeper when it's time to find scholarly articles, answers to specific research questions, and more.

  • Last Updated: May 6, 2025 11:48 AM
  • URL: https://libguides.aacc.edu/psychology
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