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Psychology

A guide to finding databases and other resources related to the study of psychology.

Sources, Sources, Sources!

What is OneSearch?

OneSearch is a single search interface that allows patrons to simultaneously search several article databases, catalogs, and other data sources for books, journal articles, videos, scores, maps, and more! This catalog is shared by members of the Orbis Cascade Alliance (Summit), a consortium of 37 academic libraries across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. OneSearch contains 8.8 million titles and over 26 million resources.

What can it do?

OneSearch offers our users major advantages, such as:

  • Unifying book and journal searches
  • Streamlining Summit and Interlibrary Loan functions within the system
  • Access to millions of articles and reports that were previously unavailable

How to use OneSearch 

Watch the videos below to learn how to conduct searches in OneSearch or learn all there is to know about how to conduct effective searches in CWU's OneSearch Research Guide. If you would like further research assistance, you are also welcomed to chat with us 24/7, schedule an appointment, or drop in to meet with a reference librarian.

Evaluating Sources is as Easy as ABCD (Author, Bias, Content, and Date):

Use the ABCD criteria questions to evaluate your sources.

  • Author: Identify the authors of the source. Are the authors experts and qualified to write on the topic? What are their credentials? Are they affiliated with any organizations or a university? Additionally, consider the publisher or source to make sure the information provided can be considered reputable in regards to your information need.
  • Bias: Identify any bias in the information. Does the information presented cover all sides of the topic in a neutral, objective manner? What is the purpose of this information - to inform, teach, persuade, or sell?
  • Content: Evaluate the content of the document. Is the information provided through a superficial overview or is it a detailed analysis? Is the information relevant to the topic or does it deviate too much? Additionally, focus on the accuracy of the content - does the information match your understanding of the topic and can you verify the claims in other sources?
  • Date: Consider when the information was published, updated, or revised. Has the information become outdated? Additionally, consider the date of the reference list provided - are those sources too old or irrelevant with regard to your chosen topic? 

Evaluating Information: Is it C.R.A.A.P. (Currency, Relevancy, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose)?

The CRAAP Test is a list of questions to help you evaluate the information you find. Not all criteria apply equally to all articles but will give you confidence that your sources meet the expectations of your assignment. Feel free to save/print this for personal use.

Evaluating Information: Using the C.R.A.P. (Currency, Relevancy, Authority, and Purpose) Test to Evaluate Websites

The C.R.A.P. Test can be used specifically to evaluate information resources, specifically sources found online. View the video below to learn how you can apply the C.R.A.P. test to evaluate websites

The children's books are located on the 4th floor of the Brooks Library. One way of limiting or searching for children's literature in the collection is to use controlled Subject Headings. Below are a few subject headings you can use to get started.

Evaluating Children's Books

There are many questions you can use to start evaluating children's books. Here are a few you might consider to get started:

  1. What is the lexile level of the book?
  2. For what age range would this book be most appropriate?
  3. Is the text and/or writing style effective/appropriate?
  4. Does the book have a simple, identifiable idea or theme? What lessons, if any, are communicated in the book?
  5. Does the book have colorful or engaging illustrations or artwork? Is the art effective or appropriate?
  6. Is culture represented in this book? If so, how?
  7. Are there opportunities for reader-listener interaction?

In-Class Activity

  1. Browse the collection or use OneSearch to find a children's book of your choice to evaluate.
  2. Accompany your class upstairs to the 4th floor of the library to the children's section.
  3. Work with your group to evaluate the children's book you've chosen. Be sure to thoroughly consider the evaluation questions provided by your instructor.
  4. Once you have completed your evaluations, they will be discussed as a class.

End of Session

Complete this brief survey at the end of the library session.

End of Session Survey