Information for students on Joint courses with NSPC and Middlesex University. Covering: Distance learners service Google vs Summon Keyword activities Advanced searching PsycINFO and Web of Science

1. © Middlesex University
Literature searching
http:// unihub.mdx.ac.uk / study / library
NSPC October 2015

2. © Middlesex University
If you have a laptop/tablet: Please login
PLEASE USE CHROME OR FIREFOX

3. © Middlesex University
We will cover….
• Distance learner service
• Library catalogue
• Library subject guide
• Advanced searches: WOS and PsycINFO
• Keywords and search operators (* “ ” etc)
• Referencing help

4. © Middlesex University
Registering as distance learners
• http://unihub.mdx.ac.uk/your-study/library-and-it-
support/library-services/studying-at-a-distance
• Postal delivery of books from within the Middlesex
University Collection
• Electronic delivery of photocopies of journal articles and
chapters of books as allowed within British copyright law.
• General help with the search for materials and use of
library systems.
!You must wait until your registration is confirmed
before you request books for postal delivery!
Presentation title | 4

5. © Middlesex University
Requesting a book
• You can still use Middlesex library as normal if you’re
happy to visit – borrowing books normally
• Or you can request Middlesex books to be sent to you –
you just need to request the book on your library account
(must be registered as a distance learner first)
http://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/psy/renew
Presentation title | 5

6. © Middlesex University
Inter Library Loans
• £3 per electronic article or
electronic book chapter (1
per book)
• Electronic delivery only
• We cannot borrow print
books from the British
Library and send them on
to you.
Presentation title | 6

7. © Middlesex University
Example of coursework marking criteria
10% Introduction
15% Overview
30% Critical analysis
15% Discussion
10% Conclusion
10% Referencing
10% Quality etc
Maximum marks for a well
referenced and accurate
description of [subject]
using suitable references
Maximum of 10 marks for a list of
references which is both relevant,
and correctly given in APA style
Maximum of 10 marks for quality,
style of writing and presentation

8. © Middlesex University
Simple searches
Google Scholar
• Simple search function
• Searches many journal
websites
• Not all full text
(but can set up to access
MDX journals through Unihub)
• Up to date articles from the
big publishers – not so good
coverage of small journals
• Hard to filter
• Searching all subject areas
Presentation title | 8
Summon vs Google
Summon
• Simple search function
• Google for the University
resources
• Searches many journal
databases and
subscriptions
• A lot of full text
• Up to date – largest
databases are paid for and
updated daily/weekly and
include prepubs
• Easy to filter to Psychology
only journals

9. © Middlesex University
Summon
Presentation title | 9

10. Google Scholar – make sure you access
what you’ve paid for!
10

11. Search for and select Middlesex University
11

12. © Middlesex University
Simple searches
Presentation title | 12

13. © Middlesex University
Thinking about keywords
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rossjamesparker/89414788/
• Work in groups of at least 3
• Use the worksheet to look at:
— Synonyms
— Combining terms
— Search symbols and operators ( * “ ” AND OR NOT)
• EXTRA TASK - After task 1 swap papers with another
group to see if they can help you with synonyms /
narrower terms
• Ask me if you need help!

14. © Middlesex University
Task 2
Presentation title | 14
Search = Therapy AND offenders AND mental illness

15. © Middlesex University
Choose to narrow by 1 or 2 concepts
- NOT all 3
Presentation title | 15

16. © Middlesex University
So my narrower search is….
Presentation title | 16
Search = CBT AND prisoners AND mental illness

17. © Middlesex University
Advanced Searching – DINOSAURS!
Presentation title | 17
http://sydney.edu.au/library/skills/elearning/learn/topic/gamenesting/index.php

18. © Middlesex University
This is the format for all advanced searches
Presentation title | 18

19. © Middlesex University
Looks kind of like this...
Presentation title | 19

20. © Middlesex University
Looks kind of like this...
Presentation title | 20

21. © Middlesex University
Databases for research articles
myUniHub > My Study > My Library > Databases
Search for database by
letter, then name

22. © Middlesex University Psych PG | 22
Web of Science

23. © Middlesex University
Web of Science
MyUniHub > MyStudy > MyLibrary > Databases > W > Web of Science
Gives you a
hyperlinked
list of articles
which cite
this article

24. © Middlesex University
Citation searching
• Which articles have cited an earlier article
• Updates to the research study you’ve been looking at
• Find articles on similar/related subject
• How many times an article has been cited
• Best journals in your field

25. © Middlesex University Presentation title | 25
PsycINFO – Access via Unihub > Databases

26. © Middlesex University Presentation title | 26
PsycINFO – options and limits

27. © Middlesex University Presentation title | 27
limits Full text

28. © Middlesex University
Have a go!
• Use the searches from your worksheet and
have a go at either Web of Science or
PsycINFO
•Ask me for help!

29. © Middlesex University
Evaluating information
• Authority : Who is the author? How have they carried out
their research? What do you think of the method?
• Relevance : Is this what I need? Will it answer my
question? Is it at the right level?
• Intent : What is the purpose of information e.g. financial
gain, propaganda, academic etc?
• Objectivity : Balanced view? Opposing views
represented? Links to supporting information?
• Currency: How old is this information? When was it last
updated and by whom?

30. © Middlesex University
Cite them right
Presentation title | 30
examples
Gives you a formatted
example to type over

31. © Middlesex University
Managing your references
• 2 choices of referencing software at MDX
• Flow – simple to use, limited functionality, fine for essays
• Refworks – slightly more complex to use but more functional
• Both will allow you to import citations from databases and
both will format your reference list for you.
• Go to Psychology Library Subject Guide and find the section
on referencing
libguides.mdx.ac.uk/psy/referencing

32. © Middlesex University
Need help?
• Distance Learner Service
http://unihub.mdx.ac.uk/your-study/library-and-it-support/library-
services/studying-at-a-distance
• Psychology Library Subject Guide http://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/psy
• Viv – your librarian v.eades@mdx.ac.uk