Skip to Main Content

Camden County College Library

Psychology: Home

Psychology

Getting Started

Following the six step Information Search Process (ISP) will save time and keep you organized through all phases of any research assignment.

  • Understand the Assignment: Understand the specifics including length of paper, topic options/instructions, citation style and resources permitted before beginning topic selection, research or any other part of the assignment.
  • Select a Topic: Think about what the assignment guidelines are and choose something that is interesting to you.
  • Explore your Topic: Take your topic and narrow it down to what you want to focus on, normally a few main points.
  • Develop a Thesis/Specific Purpose Statement: Decide your objective so you can inform the readers about what you will discuss.
  • Research: Work within the assignment guidelines to decide on appropriate resources. Keep track of your citations as you go.
  • Present your Research: Using your research and critical thinking skills, write your essay, paper, presentation, etc.

 

Apply for or renew your library card

Information about Library Cards

Quick Links

Semester Hours

Monday to Thursday

8:30am - 8:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30 pm
Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday CLOSED

 

For holiday and break hours, click here

Subject Specific eResources

Library eResources

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tutorials

Citations

Information on citations and NoodleTools, a citation tool that assists you with your works cited/reference page, can be found on the Citation Help page.

Tips for Writing a Thesis Statement

Primary vs. Secondary Scientific Research

Primary Sources/Research Articles

  • Presents original data and ideas from a scientific investigation including the results of experiments, observations and other scientific investigations
  • Reported by scientists and written for others in the field and published in scientific journals (usually peer-reviewed)
  • Most primary articles have at least some of these headings - method/materials, experimental procedure, results, discussion/data interpretation

Secondary Sources/Review Articles

  • Describes, interprets, analyzes and evaluates the original research as well as comments on and discusses the evidence provided by primary sources

  • Written for a scientific audience or for a non-scientific audience by experts (scientists) or general writers
  • Published in science magazines and may be published in some science journals