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© Middlesex University

Finding research evidencehttp:// unihub.mdx.ac.uk / study / library

PSY 4011, 4012, 4025 October 2015


What we will cover today

• Simple searches: Summon vs Google

• Keywords and search operators (* “ ” etc)

• Advanced searches: WOS and PsycINFO

• Evaluation

• Referencing

• Where you can get help

Presentation title | 2


Example of coursework marking criteria

10% Introduction

15% Overview

30% Critical analysis

15% Discussion

10% Conclusion

10% Referencing

10% Quality etc

Maximum marks for a well referenced and accurate description of [subject] using suitable references

Maximum of 10 marks for a list of references which is both relevant, and correctly given in APA style

Maximum of 10 marks for quality, style of writing and presentation


Finding resourcesmyUniHub > My Study > My Library

Access all sorts of online resources here!

My Subject – library guides


Simple searches

Google Scholar• Simple search function• Searches many journal

websites• Not all full text

(but can set up to access MDX journals through Unihub)

• Up to date articles from the big publishers – not so good coverage of small journals

• Hard to filter • Searching all subject areas

Summon

• Simple search function• Google for the University

resources• Searches many journal

databases and subscriptions• A lot of full text• Up to date – largest

databases are paid for and updated daily/weekly and include prepubs

• Easy to filter to Psychology only journals


Summon vs Google


Summon


8

Google Scholar – make sure you access what you’ve paid for!

9

Search for and select Middlesex University


Simple searches



Have a go!

• Look for a topic you’re interested in.

• Make sure you use the filters on Summon to narrow your

results to Psychology and full text etc.

• Personalise Google Scholar

• Feedback: which do you prefer?

which allowed you to get better results?


Thinking about keywords

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rossjamesparker/89414788/

• Work in groups of at least 3

• Use the worksheet to look at:

— Synonyms

— Combining terms

— Search symbols and operators ( * “ ” AND OR NOT)

• EXTRA TASK - After task 1 swap papers with another

group to see if they can help you with synonyms /

narrower terms

• Ask me if you need help!


Advanced Searching – DINOSAURS!


http://sydney.edu.au/library/skills/elearning/learn/topic/gamenesting/index.php

http://sydney.edu.au/library/skills/elearning/learn/topic/gamenesting/index.php


This is the format for all advanced searches



Looks kind of like this...



Databases for research articles myUniHub > My Study > My Library > Databases

Search for database by letter, then name

© Middlesex University Psych PG | 18

Web of Science


Web of ScienceMyUniHub > MyStudy > MyLibrary > Databases > W > Web of Science

Gives you a hyperlinked

list of articles which cite this article


Citation searching

• Which articles have cited an earlier article• Updates to the research study you’ve been looking at• Find articles on similar/related subject• How many times an article has been cited• Best journals in your field

© Middlesex University Presentation title | 21

PsycINFO – Access via Unihub > Databases


PsycINFO – options and limits


limits Full text


Have a go!

• Use the searches from your worksheet and have a go at either Web of Science or PsycINFO

• Ask me for help!


But is it any good?


Evaluating information

• Authority : Who is the author? How have they carried out their research? What do you think of the method?

• Relevance : Is this what I need? Will it answer my question? Is it at the right level?

• Intent : What is the purpose of information e.g. financial gain, propaganda, academic etc?

• Objectivity : Balanced view? Opposing views represented? Links to supporting information?

• Currency: How old is this information? When was it last updated and by whom?


Evaluation activity

• Please discuss the articles you’ve been given – the content is not important you ONLY need to read publication details and the title/abstract

• Think about what we’ve just discussed• Which would you be more likely to use and why?

• 10 minutes – feed back



Cite them right


examples Gives you a formatted example to type over


Managing your references• 2 choices of referencing software at MDX

• Flow – simple to use, limited functionality, fine for essays

• Refworks – slightly more complex to use but more functional

• Both will allow you to import citations from databases and both will format your reference list for you.

• Go to Psychology Library Subject Guide and find the section on referencing

libguides.mdx.ac.uk/psy/referencing


It’s not in the Library!

• Inter Library Loans http://bit.ly/InterLibraryLoans

• Sconul Access http://www.access.sconul.ac.uk/sconul-access

• Other libraries http://bit.ly/visitingotherlibraries

http://bit.ly/InterLibraryLoans

http://www.access.sconul.ac.uk/sconul-access

http://bit.ly/visitingotherlibraries


Need help?

• Librarians in the StudyHub (1st floor) Monday – Friday 9-5

• Psychology Library Subject Guide

http://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/psy

• Viv – your librarian [email protected]

http://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/psy

mailto:[email protected]

pg finding research information psy4011 and psy4012

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