Applied Psychology Librarian
Mind Mapping: A Fun Way to Brainstorm a Topic
Grab some paper and a pencil and create a mind map of your topic! Watch this video and you'll be mind mapping in minutes.
Topic Brainstorming Tips Infographic
Finding the Best Keywords for a Search
After you brainstorm a topic, you'll want to select 2-5 keywords describing your topic. Keywords are the words that you type into the search box in a library database. They are the essential terms for your idea, the most important words describing your topic. Choosing the right keywords can save hours of searching time!
- How to Select the Best Words for a SearchThis easy-to-use guide can help you find the magic words that will open up a world of sources on your topic.
A Great Way to Identify Keywords: Encyclopedias
Finding a scholarly encyclopedia essay can help you jumpstart your research project in three ways:
1. Gives you background information that helps you understand the topic.
2. Offers lists of references at the ends of the essays that you can mine for scholarly sources.
3. Suggests keywords that you can use in your PsycInfo searches.
Psychology Encyclopedias:
Collections of Encyclopedias:
- Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL) This link opens in a new windowSearch 1000 encyclopedias for your topic at one time.