PSY 161: Fundamentals of Psychology: Introduction

Created by Brock University Library

Sources for topics:

Make a list of what interests you!

Skim your textbook:  Table of Contents and Index.

Browse through psychology magazines and journals:

     Psychology Today

     Scientific American Mind

See the APA website:

     APA Psychology Topics

     PsycINFO Topic Guides

Browse APA PsycBooks for background information on a topic. (You will need to login.)

     APA PsycBooks

Check out the daily news online for topics related to psychology:

     ABC

     CBS

     CNN

     NBC

Annotated Bibliography:

• An annotated bibliography is an alphabetical list of citations to books, articles, and documents on a related topic.
• Each citation is followed by a brief description and usually includes an evaluative paragraph, the annotation.
• The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited.

Process: 

Write a concise annotation that summarizes the central theme and scope of the book or article. Include one or more sentences that:

• evaluate the authority or background of the author,
• comment on the intended audience,
• compare or contrast this work with another you have cited, or
• explain how this work illuminates your bibliography topic

Also see "Questions to Consider" in the right column.

*Reproduced with permission from:  Research & Learning Services - Olin Library, Cornell University Library - Ithaca, NY, USA

Select a topic:  The annotated bibliography should show understanding and thoughtful reflection on a topic that speaks to the mission and objectives of the course.

Locate references that are academically credible (peer reviewed):  

References may report empirical data (primary sources) or examine theoretical issues (secondary sources).   

Use APA citation style.        

Check with your instructor regarding the following critieria:

     Number of sources

     Number of primary vs. secondary sources

     Date range of sources

     Minimum page length for articles

     Length of annotation

Contact the library:

• In person
• Phone: 800-359-5945
• Email: library@saintleo.libanswers.com
• Chat (click on chat icon in lower right corner)

• Who is the audience for the resource?
• What is the purpose of the resource?
• What is the tone of the information presented?
• Scope--what/who does it include?  What/who does it leave out?
• Relevance of the information, study, findings
• Is the argument persuasive, informative, controversial?
• Are the researchers authoritative, qualified to be doing the project? 
• Is the journal peer-reviewed (scholarly)?
• Is the information published by a reputable company?
• Was the methodology explained clearly? Does it fit the study?
• Were the results plausible?  Were the short-comings of the study discussed?