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PSYC 222: Sensation & Perception (Mruczek): Find Articles

Suggested Databases

Search for articles in the following database:

Tracing Citations with Scopus

Use Scopus or Google Scholar to discover articles that cite and are cited by your original source.  This is a great way to find more recent articles related to your topic.

Workshop Exercise 1: Finding Articles in PubMed and Scopus

Groups will work together to brainstorm keywords for their topic.  For each topic, every member of the group must find one unique primary research article related to the topic.  Help each other with keyword searching, and finding new keywords in article abstracts, keyword lists, and MeSH headings lists.  After you have each found a unique article in PubMed, search for that article in Scopus.  Write down how many newer articles cite each original article.  

Things that each group will report back to the class:  How your group narrowed your broad topic.  Keywords you used to search in PubMed.  Any difficulties your group had with finding original research articles, and how you overcame those difficulties.  New keywords you learned from information in PubMed (the abstract, keyword list, or MeSH subject headings).  In Scopus, how many "cited by" articles are associated with each of your unique research articles, and which group member found the article with the most "cited by" options.

 

Topics:

  • Group 1:  prosopagnosia
  • Group 2:  hallucinations
  • Group 3:  synesthesia
  • Group 4:  music perception
  • Group 5: phantom limb pain

Interlibrary Loan

Request materials that we do not own in the Holy Cross Libraries' collections.  These materials will be lent from other libraries.  

Note:  Electronic articles or scanned book chapters usually take 1-2 business days or longer.  Print materials need to be shipped through the postal mail, and generally take 5-10 business days or longer.  

** Login to the ILLiad Interlibrary Loan System using your campus email account.  If this is the first time you're using the system, you will need to set up an account. **

How to Read a Scholarly Article (video 1)

University of Illinois Undergraduate Library.  "How to Read a Scholarly Article."  YouTube, uploaded by University of Illinois Undergraduate Library, 6 Aug 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZS1Beio11M

How to Read a Scholarly Article (video 2)

Western University Libraries.  "How to Read a Scholarly Article."  YouTube, uploaded by Western University, 26 Apr 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SmOq6gENPM

How to Read Scientific Papers

How to Read Scientific Papers

Much of a scientist's work involves reading research papers. Because scientific articles are different from other texts, like novels or newspaper stories, they should be read differently. Here are some tips to be able to read and understand them.

1. Skim

First get the "big picture" by reading the title, key words and abstract carefully; this will tell you the major findings and why they matter.

  • Quickly scan the article without taking notes; focus on headings and subheadings
  • Note the publishing date; for many areas, current research is more relevant.
  • Note any terms and parts you don't understand for further reading.

2. Re-Read

Read the article again, asking yourself questions such as:

  • What problem is the study trying to solve?
  • Are the findings well supported by evidence?
  • Are the findings unique and supported by other work in the field?
  • What was the sample size? Is it representative of the larger population?
  • Is the study repeatable?
  • What factors might affect the results?

If you are unfamiliar with key concepts, look for them in the literature.

3. Interpret

  • Examine graphs and tables carefully.
  • Try to interpret data first before looking at captions.
  • When reading the discussion and results, look for key issues and new findings.
  • Make sure you have distinguished the main points. If not, go over the text again.

4. Summarize

  • Take notes; it improves reading comprehension and helps you remember key points.
  • If you have a printed version, highlight key points and write on the article. If it's on screen, make use of markers and comments.

 

www.rodrigueznatalia.com

  • Lenny Rhine. "How to Read a Scientific Paper," Research4Life Training Portal.
  • Valerie Matarese, PhD (Ed.). "Using strategic, critical reading of research papers to teach scientific writing," Supporting Research Writing: Roles and Challenges in Multilingual Settings, Chandos Publishing, Elsevier (2012).
  • Allen H. Renear, PhD, and Carole L. Palmer, PhD. "Strategic Reading, Ontologies, and the Future of Scientific Publishing," Science (2009).
  • Angel Borja, PhD. "11 steps to structuring a science paper editors will take seriously," Elsevier Connect (June 24, 2014).
  • Mary Purugganan, PhD, and Jan Hewitt, PhD. "How to Read a Scientific Article," Cain Project in Engineering and Professional  Communication, Rice University.
  • "How to Read and Review a Scientific Journal Article," Writing Studio, Duke University.
  • Robert Siegel, PhD. "Reading Scientific Papers," Stanford University.

[Thank you to the Clark College Libraries for the layout of this information.]