Library research workshops help students learn how to find and use sources effectively and efficiently. This page describes the goals of library workshops for Psychology. The sample worksheets here introduce essential skills, and they can be useful to you before, during and after a session.
When students begin doing scholarly research, many have trouble finding relevant sources simply because they haven't adapted their search techniques to an academic environment. Searching for scholarly literature is different from searching for quick facts. When students learn the basics of how to use library databases, it becomes much easier for them to find scholarly literature.
When you attend a library workshop for PSYC 105 Introduction to Psychology, you'll learn:
Students who are approaching a semester-long research project need to think of research as a process that begins with open-ended questions. Students will be on stronger footing if they’re exposed to models that incorporate steps such as developing a research question, searching, revising searches, pausing for reflection, and managing results.
When you attend a library workshop for PSYC 202 Research Methods, you'll learn:
Students in core courses can benefit from introduction, reinforcement, and refinement of search techniques and critical thinking skills.
When you attend a library workshop for a core course (for example, PSYC 201 Statistics, PSYC 203 Social Psychology, or PSYC 225 Child Psychology), you may learn:
Scholars can create new knowledge by building on the work of previous scholars. Students working on a senior thesis can practice the skill of learning from one another by collectively problem-solving research challenges in a group discussion. A librarian can then provide targeted guidance based on the needs that are identified during the discussion.
When you attend a library workshop for an advanced elective or a seminar, you may learn: