PsycINFO

PsycINFO is a comprehensive bibliographic database maintained by the American Psychological Association (APA). It is an essential tool for researchers and practitioners in the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and related behavioral sciences. PsycINFO provides abstracts and citations to the scholarly literature in the psychological, social, behavioral, and health sciences. The database includes material from an array of disciplines such as psychiatry, management, business, education, social science, neuroscience, law, medicine, and social work.

History

PsycINFO was first developed in 1967 under the name "Psychological Abstracts." Its primary goal was to catalog the vast amount of psychological literature being produced worldwide. Over the years, it has evolved from a print-based reference to a sophisticated online database that provides access to international literature in psychology and related disciplines.

Content and Features

PsycINFO indexes a wide range of materials including journal articles, books, book chapters, and dissertations. It covers over 2,500 journals, with selective coverage extending to articles in related disciplines. The database is updated monthly, adding approximately 60,000 new records per year.

Key features of PsycINFO include:

• Advanced Search Options: Users can perform targeted searches using various criteria including age group, methodology, and population group.
• Thesaurus and Classification Codes: A detailed thesaurus and classification codes help in refining search strategies.
• Linked Full-Text Articles: Where available, links to full-text articles are provided.

Access

Access to PsycINFO is typically provided through academic or institutional subscriptions. Many universities and research institutions offer access to their students and staff. It is also available through third-party vendors such as EBSCOhost, ProQuest, and Ovid.

Importance in Research

PsycINFO is widely regarded as an indispensable resource for psychological research. Its comprehensive coverage allows researchers to stay current with developments in their field, conduct systematic reviews, and explore new areas of research.

See Also

• American Psychological Association
• Psychological Abstracts
• EBSCOhost
• ProQuest
• Ovid