LibGuides: PSYH 272/PSYH 277: Research Methods/Research Project in Psychology: APA PsycInfo Guides & Videos

New and Old EBSCO

The platform that LCCC Library uses for many of our databases is EBSCO. On May 13, 2025 the old EBSCO interface will be replaced by a new EBSCO Interface. PsycInfo is one of the EBSCO databases. While features like limits and tools will transfer to the new interface, where they are located, how to use them, will change. The new EBSCO databases will look and act different, but contain the same articles and retain the same database features. PsycInfo has updated some of its EBSCO platform videos for the new interface. These are listed first.

This LibGuide will retain the old platform videos for tips on how to search PsycInfo because PsycInfo has not changed, EBSCO has. The fields, thesaurus, and basic and advanced searching are still relevant, but the process will look different between the old and new versions. The Library will replace old platform videos if/when APA updates them. The old videos are listed second.

Advanced Search Techniques - NEW EBSCO Platform

These short how-to videos provide step-by-step instructions on the various features of PsycInfo:

Searching with the Thesaurus
Using the Methodology filter
Using Classification Codes

These videos demonstrate using PsycInfo on the new EBSCO platform. (The new EBSCO platform will replace the old one on May 13, 2025.)

Searching with the APA Thesaurus and Subjects on EBSCOhost

APA Publishing. (n.d.). Searching with the APA thesaurus and subjects on EBSCOhost [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xidLueFOapk

Using the Methodology Filter in APA PsycInfo on EBSCOhost

APA Publishing. (n.d.). Using the methodology filter in APA PsycInfo on EBSCOhost [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgF9Mls3HXQ

Using APA PsycInfo Classification Codes on EBSCO

APA Publishing. (n.d.). Using APA PsycInfo classification codes on EBSCO [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4wBFZ6hQNE&t=23s

Searching PsycInfo - OLD EBSCO Platform

APA PsycInfo Beginner Search

APA Publishing. (n.d.). APA PsycInfo beginner search [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIQifHrKCVU&t=766s

APA PsycInfo Advanced Search

APA Publishing. (n.d.). APA PsycInfo advanced search [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0iia4Rg8jw&t=2733s

Peer-Reviewed Empirical Articles - Searching APA PsycInfo on EBSCOhost

APA Publishing. (n.d.). Peer-reviewed empirical articles - Searching APA PsycInfo on EBSCOhost [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-Tpmqbn8GU

Searching PsycInfo’s Tests and Measurements Field on the EBSCOhost platform

APA Publishing. (n.d.). Searching PsycInfo’s tests and measurements field on the EBSCOhost platform [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NshjwhoHSs

PsycInfo Guides

Field Guide for APA Database (PsycInfo) Records
This guide lists the fields for PsycInfo records (for example the TITLE field), explains what the fields mean, and provides helpful hints.
Record Structure for APA Databases (PsycInfo)
Each PsycINFO field is presented in alphabetical order with a comprehensive description of the field. This guide is more in-depth than the Field Guide above. Here is an example:

Keywords: Keywords are the natural language words or phrases used to reflect the major concepts in a source document. Keywords are pulled
from the title or abstract and reflect the author’s language. Important concepts for which there are no corresponding index terms in the Thesaurus are represented in this field.
Classification Codes for PsycInfo
Every record in APA PsycInfo receives a Classification Code (a field), which is used to categorize the document according to the primary subject matter. These Classification Codes can help you target your search by allowing you to restrict retrieval to a specific category. Classification Codes are "bigger" than thesaurus index terms/descriptors/subject headings - PsycInfo uses all these terms for the same concept!