Psychology: Background Info
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Finding background information
As shown in the image to the right, there are many subsections or areas of study that fall under the larger field of psychology.
A great place to get some background info about a topic is in one of the following databases linked below.
- Gale Ebooks provides short articles from subject-specific encycopedias which often provide a definition of a term or concept, as well as that general who, what, when, where, why, and how overview-type information.
- CQ Researcher provides short articles and longer reports on a wide range of controversial topics and can be a great place to find information about the history and current state of a larger topic.
(click on image to enlarge, cited below)
- Gale eBooks This link opens in a new window
Digitized reference works, covering many disciplines. Very useful for background information on a topic. - CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window
These weekly reports provide thoughtfully written analyses of social, economic and political issues. Every issue features an extensive report on one topic. - Points of View Reference Center This link opens in a new window
Articles on 400 topics, each with an overview and an argument, and many with opposing arguments. Also includes primary sources.
Image source: The five pillars, or domains, of psychology. Image adapted from Gurung, R. A., Hackathorn, J., Enns, C., Frantz, S., Cacioppo, J. T., Loop, T., & Freeman, J. E. (2016) article “Strengthening introductory psychology: A new model for teaching the introductory course” from American Psychologist.
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