Background Information Sources
How can background information, found in reference resources, help?
- Provide general information - like a definition or fact
- Explore context surrounding a topic - the big picture
- To help focus a topic - explore the subdivisions and perspectives
- Locate additional sources - in bibliographies
Reference Collections in Psychology
- Sage E-Reference This link opens in a new windowReference titles covering a wide variety of subjects, including the humanities and social sciences.
- Credo Reference This link opens in a new windowOnline collection of over 800 reference titles, providing useful definitions, background information, quotations, images, and biographical information.
- Oxford Reference Online This link opens in a new windowIn-depth, specialized titles from Oxford University Press’s award-winning Encyclopedias and Companions series, and a selection of partner publishers’ scholarly works.
- Gale Ebooks This link opens in a new windowCollection of reference ebooks from Gale covering general reference, biographical sources, and all major disciplines.
- Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Health (2012)"Provides detailed information on mental disorders and conditions. Also features entries for prescription, alternative and over-the-counter drugs, as well as the various therapies used to treat mental disorders."
- Dictionary of Psychology (2015)Clear, concise descriptions covering all branches of psychology.
- Psychology Reference Materials in Hewes Library (Print)Encyclopedias and dictionaries relating to Psychology found in the Reference Collection (main floor of Hewes Library).
Browsing is also effective; try looking at volumes in the area of call numbers BF and RC.
DSM Editions in Hewes Library
Current Edition Available in Hewes Library
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5Call Number: Reference Collection, Main Level: RC455.2.C4 D54 2013Publication Date: 5th edition
