Guides: Psychology: Getting Started

Start with Reference

Reference sources will help you narrow your research focus and will uncover keywords and concepts to use in your search.

Below are links to online Reference sources and a representative list of print Reference sources (found on the main floor of the library).

Gale Virtual Reference Library This link opens in a new window
A collection of over 3,000 reference works, covering all disciplines.
Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
An online collection of over 600 full-text reference works, including encyclopedias, dictionaries, and more.
Oxford Reference Online This link opens in a new window
This online source provides access to subject and language reference works from Oxford University Press. In addition to text, access is provided to maps and illustrations, timelines, web sites, and bibliographies.

APA Dictionary of Psychology
Ref BF 31 .A65 2015
The dictionary has approximately 25,000 entries that cover the broad field of psychology and its specialties. The dictionary includes psychological concepts, processes, and therapies. There is limited coverage of individuals, organizations and institutions, and psychological tests and assessment
Dictionary of Psychology
Ref BF 31 .C65 2015 (Also available in Oxford Reference Online)
Includes over 9500 entries on all branches of psychology. Appendix I contains a list of phobias.
Appendix II has a listing of abbreviations and symbols used in psychology. Appendix III is a listing of web sites of interest to psychology and related fields.
Encyclopedia of Psychology
Ref BF 31 .E52 2000
The 8 volume encyclopedia is a collaborative effort of the American Psychological Association and Oxford University Press. The encyclopedia includes more than 1500 entries, including biographies. The work covers the history of psychology, theoretical concepts, research, application, development and change. In addition to topics in psychology, relevant interdisciplinary topics are included
Encyclopedia of the Mind
Ref BF441.E53 2013
The Encyclopedia of the Mind contains entries about Action and Motor Control, Attention, Consciousness, Decision Making, Disorders and Pathology, Emotion, Genetics, language and Communication, Memory, the Social Mind, and more.