How to do research in Psychology
Library resources for researchers working in psychology, brain science, cognitive, clinical and social psychology.
START WITH GOOD KEYWORDS
Topic-specific keywords will help improve your results in a general multidisciplinary database like Google, Google Scholar, or HOLLIS.
Add keywords like these to your search:
- Subject terms - bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress, consciousness
- Age terms - adolescence, adulthood
- Methodology terms - interview, literature review, quantitative study
UPGRADE YOUR SEARCH: KEY DATABASES
The best tool for your project may be a specialized search engine, also known as a database. These databases are subject-specific or format-specific search tools:
PsycINFO (via HarvardKey) – is the major database for scholarship in psychology. It is produced by the American Psychological Association. Use filters on the left side of the page to refine your searches. Coverage dates back to 1872.
PubMed (via HarvardKey) – is the major database for scholarship in biomedicine, health, and related disciplines, including behavioral science. It is produced by the National Library of Medicine (NLM). The database contains citations to research published in more than 4,800 biomedical journals.
Dig Deeper
PSY 971/975: Contemporary Issues in Psychology, a research guide for new concentrators, provides a helpful overview and discipline specific-resources for anyone doing research in psychology.
Databases for Psychology - explore the full list of Harvard Library databases in this subject category.
CONNECT WITH US
Ramona Crawford, Michael Leach, and Robyn Rosenberg are the research contacts for Psychology. They’re available to support researchers via email or in-person consultation.
- Some Harvard Library locations will be closed or have special hours for Commencement, Thursday, May 26. Please check the Library Hours page for specifics. Ask a Librarian and chat hours will remain as usual.
- Most Harvard Library locations will be closed Monday, May 30 and Tuesday, May 31, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Ask a Librarian and chat service will be closed on these dates.
- If you're experiencing an ongoing technical issue when you attempt to access library materials with your HarvardKey during these times, please report it to Library Technology Services.
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Talk to a librarian for advice on defining your topic, developing your research strategy, and locating and using sources. Make an appointment now.
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