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PY 413 Abnormal Psychology: Introduction

Introduction

This course research guide is designed to assist you in using the library to complete the research assignment in PY 413. Although the focus of the guide is locating appropriate sources, additional resources are provided, including APA citation helps. If you have any questions about using the library, please connect with the library staff for assistance!

Statistics

An ideal source for locating health-related statistics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a user-friendly searching interface to quickly find data on various disorders.

Empirical Research

Articles are found in journals, which are indexed in databases. It is advisable to search in discipline-specific databases for content. The databases listed below focus on allied health in general and physical therapy in particular.
For help accessing online library resources off-campus, click here.

Searching Tips

Keep the following in mind when conducting your search in EBSCO databases:
  • You can search multiple EBSCO databases by clicking the "Choose Databases" link at the top of the first search box.
  • In the first search box, type the disorder and choose "Subject Terms" from the drop-down menu. Use the second search box to search a particular concept or idea, such as symptom* or treatment.
  • Limit to academic journals as the source type.
  • Limit to empirical study as the methodology.
  • Maybe limit the publication range to the last five years.
  • Maybe limit to full text availability. If you plan ahead, you can still obtain articles not available from the library through interlibrary loan.
 
Here is a screenshot of a sample search conducted in EBSCO. The link to this search is http://bit.ly/2Mym4TQ. You can open this link and modify the search strategy to meet your needs.

Screenshot of sample search for PY 413

DSM-5

The library has a physical copy of the DSM-5. It is a reference work, which means it must be used in the library. A coin-operated copy machine is available in the library, should you wish to make copies of relevant sections of the manual.
An additional, authoritative source that may prove helpful in better understanding the disorder and in locating additional sources is listed below.

Bible

Use an online Bible searching tool to help locate relevant biblical passages quickly and easily. Consider synonyms and related words, since you are not likely to find the technical terminology for any given disorder used in the Bible. For example, for the sleep disorder insomnia, use words like "sleep," "slumber," "rest," etc.

APA Formatting

ALWAYS cite your sources, whether you summarize, paraphrase, or directly quote them. Failing to do so is plagiarism, which is a serious academic offense with serious consequences.
The library has several physical copies of the Publication manual of the American Psychological Association : the official guide to APA Style, in the Reference Section for use in the library.  It is a reference work, which means it must be used in the library. A coin-operated copy machine is available in the library, should you wish to make copies of relevant sections of the manual.
There are also free online resources available.
 
 
 

Writing Center

If you would like help with your writing, visit the College's Writing Center.

The Writing Center

Library Help

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Elizabeth Parish
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318-487-7110