Research Guides: Psychology: Background Information

Why Get Background Information?

Reasons to Take the Time to Find Background Information:

Identify and understand subject-specific terminology.
Put sources you find in context.
Learn major areas of research and unsettled questions.
Use citation lists to begin your research.

Reference Sources

Find more using the library catalog or using the Suggested Terms links for the books below.

APA Dictionary of Psychology (2nd edition) by Gary R. VandenBos; American Psychological Association Staff (Contribution by)
Call Number: Reference BF31 .A65 2015
Publication Date: 2015
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) by American Psychiatric Association Staff
Call Number: Reference RC455.2.C4 D536 2013
Publication Date: 2013
"This new edition of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5®), used by clinicians and researchers to diagnose and classify mental disorders, is an authoritative volume that improves diagnoses, treatment, and research." (Publisher's summary)
Oxford Dictionary of Psychology by Andrew M. Colman
Call Number: ebook
Publication Date: 2015
Covers all branches of psychology, including psychoanalysis, psychiatry, criminology, neuroscience, and statistics
Psychology and Behavioral Health by Paul Moglia
Call Number: Reference BF636 .P86 2015 (also available as ebook)
Publication Date: 2015
The Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology by Irving B. Weiner; W. Edward Craighead
Call Number: Reference BF31 .E52 2010
Publication Date: 2010
Now in its 4th edition, this outstanding reference presents extended descriptions, definitions, and current research on the disorders, treatments, processes, influences, and behaviors of importance to the practice of psychology.
Encyclopedia of the Mind by Harold Pashler
Call Number: ebook
Publication Date: 2013
The Encyclopedia brings together scholars from the entire range of mind-related academic disciplines from across the arts and humanities, social sciences, life sciences, and computer science and engineering to explore the multidimensional nature of the human mind.
Psychology by Rose M. Spielman
ISBN: 9781938168352
Publication Date: 2014-12-08
An open access textbook available to read online.