Basic Searching in PsycINFO & PsycARTICLES is an 11-minute instructional YouTube video on how to do searches in EBSCOhost, specifically PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES. PsycARTICLES are publications from the APA only; PsycINFO includes content from other publishers. The format of these searches changed in 2025. This video is a helpful step-by step tutorial on how to begin doing essential searches for research material.
While this video was developed for the University of Michigan by the librarians at the Frances Willson Thompson Library, it should work the same at any university.
Type of Material:
Presentation
Recommended Uses:
Any student using these databases would benefit from watching this video before attempting to use the databases.
The video could be assigned before using a database to conduct searches as part of a class assignment.
Technical Requirements:
Internet access.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Users will learn how to complete a basic search in PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES. Specially, learners will be able to:
Learn what PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES isLaunch EBSCOhost
Launch the search tools in PsycInfo and PsycARTICLES
Learn how to search for psychology articles using various search stringsLearn how to adjust search terms
Learn how to find the Abstract only versions of articles as well as the full-text for articles
Learn how to download the full-text articles
How to email found articles
Learn how to save (bookmark) articles
Learn how to use the cite tool with citations for found articles; export saved citations
Where to locate saved itemsHow to export articles
How to view recent activity
Target Student Population:
College General Ed, College Lower Division, College Upper Division, Graduate School
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
None.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The video explains what PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES are and that, if off campus, users will need to sign in. Each university or college may have a different way to get to the databases, but they are typically similar.
The video covers the basic search, simple filters, what a typical search looks like, how to access the source, save, and how to cite it. The advice given throughout the video is excellent.
The content is well organized and provides instruction in an accessible step-by-step format;
The presentation includes examples on how to search for various types of research articles;
The presentation provides examples on how to save and export various types of articles;
The presentation provides information on how to get the appropriate citations for articles located;
The presentation provides information on how to locate saved items.
Concerns:
None.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
This is an outstanding tool that can be used by students in any area of their education as well as researchers who may need support with these two databases. This video can easily be embedded into any classroom with a psychology focus where the students are required to find research articles for assignments.
At 11 minutes, the video is relatively short yet covers the key issues of a basic search.
The advice throughout will allow students to then conduct their own searches effectively.
Concerns:
Users may be confused that the beginning and end of the instructional video mention the University of Michigan-Flint Campus login requirements. However, instructors providing that information can easily get students to overcome that obstacle.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The presentation is clear and informative.
It is designed for one school yet should apply to most.
The presentation, placed into YouTube, was very easy to use. The accessibility features include closed captioning. The presenter has an engaging style and delivers the information in a very straightforward, brief and direct manner. Every minute used in the video was used for instruction.
Concerns:
None.
Creative Commons:
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