Library Research Module for Psychopharmacology - Station 3

Welcome to Station 3--Comparing PsycINFO and ERIC


Station 1 -- Using PsycINFO
Station 2 -- Using ERIC
Station 3 -- Comparing PsycINFO and ERIC
Station 4 -- Finding Empirical Research
Station 5 -- Finding Full Text Articles using the Journal Finder
Station 6 -- Finding Tests and Measurements
Station 7 -- Finding Medical Resources
yellow box Using the "Find It" Tool

If you have questions about the terminology in this exercise, consult this Glossary of Library and Internet Terms. 

Your Name: 
Your NSU e-mail address: 
Section/CRN number: 

STATION 3
Comparing PsycINFO and ERIC

Although PsycINFO will be the databases of your choice, you will need to search other related databases for a comprehensive overview of your topic. ERIC will have relevant psychology articles as they relate to the educational field. To do a comprehensive search in Human/Child Development, it is a good idea to search both databases.

Students usually want to know how many articles they need to review and how many resources should be included in the literature review. Ask yourself, "Why am I including this study or reference?" The resources you select will help build an argument for the methods and interpretations you employ in your research paper. It is important to remember that you be comprehensive and that the reviews you use are up to date. The literature review should also demonstrate that you have a thorough command of your field. Showing that you have a command of the literature in your area of interest does not mean that you need to provide a catalog of every article ever written on your topic. Consider what aspects of the topic you are specifically focusing on so that you can select the appropriate database, and can narrow your search down to a manageable 50-100 resources that you will want to start taking a look at. The literature review is there to provide a coherent argument that justifies the value, importance, and need for your study.

It is very important to remember that each database has its own vocabulary, therefore different subject headings or descriptors. Use the Thesaurus for that particular database to guide you to relevant terms.

Other Appropriate Databases
Depending on your topic, the other databases may include relevant information. Click on the database names below to view their descriptions.

Activity 3

Comparing PsycINFO and ERIC

  1. Access the Alvin Sherman Library at www.nova.edu/library/main/ and click on the the Electronic Resources link at the top of the page.
  2. Click on Databases.
  3. Select NSU Patrons, input your last name and University ID number (this is your N#), and click on the Submit button.
  4. Under Browse by Subject select Psychology and Behavioral Sciences.
  5. From the Psychology and Behavioral Sciences database page, select PsycINFO - (Cambridge Scientific Abstracts).
  6. Using one or all of your descriptors from PsycINFO from Activity 1, perform a search.
  7. Review results, including number of results, content types, publication types, dates of publication, etc.
  8. Using one or all of your descriptors from ERIC from Activity 2, perform a search.
  9. Review results and compare to results for PsycInfo.
PsycInfo Descriptors: 
  
ERIC Descriptors: 
  
Briefly state which database was more relevant for your topic and why. Also note if you found any unique feature of the specific database helpful (ex. content type, publication type in PsycINFO): 
  

Congratulations!
Now you may leave Station 3 of the Library Research Module for Psychopharmacology.
All aboard for Station 4!

IMPORTANT: Print this page or write down all the information because you will need them to complete the next activities.

To submit this portion of the Library Research Module, click on the "Send Information" button below.

To receive credit for the activity,
be sure to forward the confirmation email message to your instructor,
Mou Chakraborty at: mou@nova.edu

If you have any questions/comments about this research module,
please email Mou Chakraborty at: mou@nova.edu

The ASLRITC is a joint-use facility between Nova Southeastern University and the Broward Cty. Board of County Commissioners

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