Grey Literature is information published outside the usual streams of academic publishing, but may still contain valuable, high quality information.
Examples include reports, research or working papers from:
In addition to traditional report/research articles, you can also find thesis and dissertations, audits, standards, regulations, professional guidelines and benchmarks, summaries of clinical trials or other research, surveys, policy & procedure documentation and conference proceedings.
Often the best approach to finding this grey literature is using Google's Advanced Search interface.
Think about who might be interested in gathering information on your particular topic, and what words may appear in their websites or documentation.
Some Advanced Google Search suggestions:
Accessing PsycSim
You can access the PsycSim modules on the Library computers through the Start button (the Window image in the bottom left corner).
NOTE: Do not use the email option at the end of your modules. Your instructor will either want you to fill in the worksheets on paper and hand them in (you can download them through the PsycSim Worksheets link below); or you will have a timed online quiz to complete which will be linked on your class Moodle site. If you are unsure, ask your instructor or contact one of the Kwantlen Psychology Labs (also linked below); let them know who your instructor is and they can tell you which method your instructor prefers.
Some association websites have documents, reports and articles on topics in the field.
And for those of you interested in pursuing a career in Psychology, many professional associations have student chapters or conferences and other events that provide volunteer (and networking) opportunities for students.
Here is the 1st of four short videos by Mike Caufield, that takes you through The Sift Method. Using this quick method will make you an expert online fact checker! These skills are essential not just for school research, but for life.
Then make sure you include these questions in your assessment.
If the answer to these questions is "yes", you can consider it a scholarly source.
Below you will find 2 videos featuring the SIFT method creator, Mike Caufield. These videos were recorded at KPU during the NOWCAM 2023 Conference.
Not finding what you need?
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