SEARCHING THE ERIC DATABASE

A Basic Guide

Lamson LibraryPlymouth State University

What is ERIC?

Education Resources Information Center

The most specialized and comprehensive database of research on all aspects of education at all levels.

Indexes & abstracts over 600 specialized education journals, both professional and peer-reviewed.

Indexes & abstracts several hundred thousand ERIC Documents and Digests.

Many Full Text sources directly linked.

First Steps

Start at the Lamson Library website Click on Databases link at left. Select ERIC from list of databases Sample research topic:

I need to find articles on some aspect of reading in grades 1-3.

Start Searching

Since the THESAURUS lists several terms under reading such as reading difficulties, reading comprehension, reading instruction, etc., enter just reading to find ALL subject descriptors containing reading. Then change the “Select a Field” window to “SU-Descriptors.”

Use the THESAURUS tab to identify the correct ERIC DESCRIPTORS (Subject Headings) related to reading to search under.

Building & Limiting the Search

Use the THESAURUS again to find descriptor primary education, to represent grades 1-3. Add this term as a second descriptor

Scroll down to view the full REFINE SEARCH menu, for applying a few limits.

Limiting the Search

To limit this search to research articles in journals published within the last 5 years, enter 2002 in the first “Date Published” Year box.

Then select Journal Articles from the “Journal or Document” window.

Then scroll down through the “Publication Type” window and select Reports – Research.

Search Results

Note PDF Full Text link under #3 citation. Click to view and print complete article.

Scroll down further on first page of results to see more Full Text articles.

117 articles found.

Search Results – Full Text

#11 - #16 are all available in either HTML or PDF Full Text. PDF is the scanned image of the original journal page.

Lamson Library subscribes to this journal means the journal can also be physically found in the Library in print, microform, or even another online source.

Click on title of #13 to view the Expanded Citation and ABSTRACT

Click on Add to create a folder of documents to later print or e-mail.

Expanded Citation & Abstract

Click on PDF Full Text link above citation to display complete article.

Title of Article

Authors

Journal Title & Citation

Print, Save, or E-Mail Article

SAVE

PRINT