The Library provides several ways to find clear, credible definitions, depending on what you need and how deeply you want to explore a concept. Scroll down for information on:
- Starting with Credo Reference for definitions and background information
- Searching within disciplinary encyclopedias and specialist dictionaries
- Searching ebooks for more detailed explanations
- Finding research‑related definitions in SAGE Research Methods
- Finding definitions in peer‑reviewed journal articles
Starting with Credo Reference for definitions and background information
Credo Reference is often the best place to begin when you need a definition or background information.
- Enter your term into the search box. Use the filter option to limit your results by publication date, discipline, and content type.
- Results come from academic encyclopedias, handbooks, and dictionaries.
- Most entries will include definitions, timelines, context, and/or examples.
Searching within disciplinary encyclopedias and specialist dictionaries
Subject‑specific encyclopedias and dictionaries can help you understand how a term is used within a discipline.
Credo (above) is an excellent source for disciplinary-specific dictionaries, but if you aren't finding what you need there, you can try searching in other ebook collections.
Finding encyclopedias in NavigatorSearch
NavigatorSearch searches across most, but not all, of the databases the NU Library subscribes to.
- Open NavigatorSearch.
- Select Advanced Search.
- Add the word Encyclopedia to a search box.
- Use the dropdown menu next to the box and select TI Title.
- Under Source Type, select Books.
The example above combines TI encyclopedias with "higher education" to find encyclopedias in the field of higher education.
Finding encyclopedias in SAGE Knowledge
SAGE Knowledge includes many discipline‑specific encyclopedias, particularly in education, psychology, social sciences, and research methods.
- Open SAGE Knowledge.
- Search for your term.
- Click on the Content Type filter (left side of the page) and select Reference.
- Look for items labelled as Reference: Encyclopedia.
Searching ebooks for more detailed explanations
Ebook Central, which is a large collection of ebooks from all disciplines, can help you explore terms in greater depth.
- Results may include reference books and academic books.
- Definitions are often explained within broader discussions or chapters.
This approach works well when you want more explanation or need to understand how a term is used within a specific academic context.
Finding research‑related definitions in SAGE Research Methods
For terms related to research design, methodology, or data analysis, try SAGE Research Methods, which is a collection of handbooks and other reference works on research methods and design.
To search:
- Enter your term into the basic search box.
- Use the content type filter to see only encyclopedia (or other reference work) entries.
- Use quotation marks to search for exact phrases.
Results typically include encyclopedia and handbook entries written specifically for students and researchers learning research methods.
Finding definitions in peer‑reviewed journal articles
In some cases, you may need to find peer‑reviewed research that defines a term.
What to expect
- Scholarly articles do not always include clear definitions. This is because many authors assume readers already understand key terms.
- Definitions may appear briefly in the introduction, background, or literature review of an article. Try clicking Ctrl+F (on Windows) or Command+F (on Mac) to search within the article for your term.
If you don’t find a definition right away, that’s normal.
How to search more effectively
You can try an Advanced Search in NavigatorSearch using:
- defin* (to locate define, defined, definition, definitions).
- A proximity search to connect the definition to your concept.
For example, you can search for defin* within two words of “teacher attrition”, in any order. This strategy can help identify articles where authors explicitly describe how they are using a term.
Not sure where to start?
If you’re unsure which source is most appropriate, having trouble finding a clear definition, or wondering which definition best fits your assignment, a librarian can help you think it through and choose a path that works for you. Connect with us on chat 24/7 for support.
