Before you start searching for articles, think of your specific research question and the communication theory you plan to investigate and apply. Once you've identified the main ideas you plan to research, combine your search terms using AND to create a search string you can use in a database. For example: "crisis communication" AND theory. Depending on the theory you're using and how unique the name is, you may need to include the last name of the scholar associated with the theory to make sure you're finding the most relevant articles: "cognitive dissonance" AND Festinger AND education.
For more strategies to improve your searching, see the Search Strategies page in this guide.
Use the following databases to find articles about communication topics. While these databases primarily include scholarly, peer-reviewed articles, they may also include other types of sources such as dissertations, book reviews, and magazine articles.
Peer reviewed. Full-text content.
Covers social, industrial, experimental, evolutionary, cognitive, clinical, and situational psychology, as well as personality, psychobiology, and psychometrics. Offers abstracts, journals, and more.
Partially peer reviewed. Some full-text content.
Specializes in scholarly works that analyze and contribute to pop culture. Comprised of scholarly journals and magazines.
The following databases are multidisciplinary and include a wide range of topics, including communication research.
Non-peer reviewed. Full-text content.
Access in-depth reports on controversial issues in environmental sciences, law, politics, social issues, and international trade and business health. Includes comprehensive reporting and analysis.
If you can't access the full text of an article using any of the resources on this page, use Interlibrary Loan to request the article. We'll locate another library that has the article and get you a PDF copy for free; this typically takes 2-3 business days. UVU students and employees should never pay for articles—the library has you covered!