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Psychology Research: Reference Sources

Research Guide for Psychology at PLNU

Why Use Reference Books?

Reference sources provide background information, an overview of a topic, specialized vocabulary and terminology, and critical concepts.  They're often a great starting point.  The Library has reference materials both online and in print.

Want more information? 

Encyclopedias in Ryan Library

  1. Go to WorldCat
  2. Search using a concise description of your topic plus "encyclopedias" (plural)
  3. Choose "Point Loma Nazarene University" in the pull-down menu
  4. If needed, repeat using a broader description of your topic
  5. Click on title of encyclopedia
  6. Use the "call number" to find the book in the Reference Area
  7. Use the index at the very end of the encyclopedia to find a relevant article

Need help? Ask a Librarian!

Examples of Reference Sources on Psychology

Ryan Library has hundreds of subject encyclopedias, commentaries, and dictionaries in the area of psychology. Here are just a few examples:

Subject Guide

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