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SPCE 680: Introduction to Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Search advice for assignments requiring research

About this guide

You have several assignments in SPCE 680 which require you to do library research.

This guide is meant to provide you advice, tailored to each assignment. 

Reminder: Use library databases, not Google!  It will save you time in the long run, and you're entitled to use them as BSU students!

Choosing a database

icon of a computer screen with a loading circleWhen you're doing academic research, start on the Ball State University Libraries' homepage.  Then look for the Databases link.  Use the options under the "Subjects" drop-down menu to explore the available resources.

There are two principle research databases in the field of applied behavior analysis: ERIC (under the Education category) and APA PsycINFO (under the Psychology category).  Try both of them, but depending on your topic, you may find that one is more helpful than the other.

While you can use the same general search techniques in both databases, be alert for differences in terms used.

Consider search terms for your topic

icon of a magnifying glassThe words you use as your search terms have a big effect on the relevance of the results that you get.  So choose carefully!

  • Start with terms used in the topic description.
  • Then think of other ways you can describe that topic such as: 
    • direct synonyms (ex. teenagers, adolescents)
    • related terms (ex. mainstreaming, inclusion)
    • broader or more specific terms (ex. autism, developmental disorders)
  • It may be helpful to consult:
    • a thesaurus,
    • class readings,
    • titles or description of articles you find in a database that look promising.  Subject headings are super-helpful!

Focus on the Subjects field

icon of target with arrow hitting the bull's eyeUnlike Google and OneSearch, library research databases like ERIC and PsycINFO assign subject headings to each record, indicating the focus of the article.

When you're trying to come up with good terms to search on, the Subjects field is the place to look!

Pro tip: Use quotation marks

icon of a lightbulbWhen searching in a database, put quotes around phrases of two or more words where it's important to keep the words together.  Then your words will be searched as a unit; it prevents the database from searching for the words individually.

So, when searching on a topic this can be important.  Here are some examples:

  • "zero tolerance"
  • "experimental function"
  • "applied behavior analysis"

It's also helpful when searching for a title -- of a governmental act, an organization, an article, as shown here:

  • "education for all handicapped children"
  • "national autism center"
  • "evidence-based practice in autism educational research: can we bridge the research and practice gap"