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Psychology Research Guide

Resources to assist with Psychology coursework and research.

Find Sources

Written by scholars or experts in the field. Scholarly articles, also called academic articles, can be found using databases and cover a wide range of topics and can either be original research or analysis of an issue or topic.

Features of Scholarly Sources

  • Usually take the form of books or journal articles.
  • Often peer-reviewed.
  • Generally, present in-depth analysis or summaries of a topic.

Finding Scholarly Sources:

Empirical research refers to a way of gaining knowledge using direct or indirect observation or experience. Therefore an empirical research article will report research based on observations, experiments, surveys, or other data collected. Empirical research can be either qualitative and quantitative in nature. 

When looking for empirical research articles, look to see if the author specifically references data, surveys, assessments, or any other methods for observations/experiments. Typically they will include the survey instrument and any graphical representations of data.

Key characteristics to look for:

  • Specific research questions to be answered
  • Definition of the population, behavior, or phenomena being studied
  • Description of the process used to study this population or phenomena, including selection criteria, controls, and testing instruments (such as surveys)

Empirical research, especially for psychology, will most likely be published in academic/scholarly journals. PsycINFO is a great place to start looking for empirical literature:

To find a test instrument, you may need to search several places to find the test you are looking for. Not all tests are freely available, but here are some places you can begin your search:

  • Start with PsycTESTS to search for the actual copy of the testing instrument. Some tests include only the scale or inventory while others include the manual. Click PDF Full Text to access it.
  • If you cannot find anything in PsycTESTS, try searching on Google for the test. Sometimes, the publisher's website will include the test instrument.
  • Search one of the library databases listed under the "Articles" tab like PsycINFO. Search for your test and find articles that focus on test development. 
  • Try looking for books in the library catalog that may help you find information about a specific test or about specific tests within a given subject area. Example search terms: marriage and family assessment, mental clinical assessment, or bereavement assessment.

DSM-V

Find Books

You can search the library website for books and other materials and request them for pick up at the library. UIS Library is also a member of I-Share, which means our students can access materials available at other Illinois colleges and universities. Watch this short video to learn more about how to search and request materials.

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