Reference Basics
The following lists are not comprehensive. Check the OU Libraries Catalog (search box in left column) for more options using your desired keywords. For general books containing definitions of terms or overviews of a subject, search for your keywords plus "encyclopedia" or "dictionary". You may also schedule an appointment to consult with your subject librarian.
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Browse for Books
Biology books are located in Bizzell Memorial Library in the following call number locations.
Library of Congress Call Numbers
QH - Natural History / Biology
- QH 1-278 Natural History
- QH 301-705 Biology General
- QH 426-470 Genetics
- QH 471-489 Reproduction
- QH 540-549 Ecology
- QH 573-671 Cell Biology
QL - Zoology
- QL 1-355 Zoology General
- QL 360-599 Invertebrates / Insects
- QL 614-639 Fishes
- QL 640-669 Birds
- QL 671-739 Mammals
- QL 750-795 Animal Behavior
Other
- QP Physiology
- QR Microbiology
- S Agriculture
- SF Animal Culture
- SH Aquaculture
- SK Hunting/ Wildlife
Academic Research and Critical Thinking
- Web Literacy for Student Fact CheckersMostly focused on web and media, the approaches herein are useful for checking and tracing popular claims about science outside of the scholarly literature in particular.
- How to read and understand a scientific paper: a guide for non-scientists"how a layperson can approach reading and understanding a scientific research paper. It’s appropriate for someone who has no background whatsoever in science or medicine, and based on the assumption that he or she is doing this for the purpose of getting a basic understanding of a paper and deciding whether or not it’s a reputable study."
- How to (seriously) read a scientific paper"We’ve asked a dozen scientists at different career stages and in a broad range of fields to tell us how they do it. Although it is clear that reading scientific papers becomes easier with experience, the stumbling blocks are real, and it is up to each scientist to identify and apply the techniques that work best for them. " Shows a range of helpful approaches and how the reading process varies by individual.
- Guide to Reading Academic Research PapersOne data scientist's approach to reading scientific papers, with his step-by-step workflow.
- Art of reading a journal article: Methodically and effectivelyA medically focused how-to article for reading scientific journal articles.
- How to Read a PaperA three-pass system for understanding scientific papers.
- How to Read a Scientific Article"The worst way to approach this task is to treat it like the reading of a textbook—reading from title to literature cited, digesting every word along the way without any reflection or criticism. Rather, you should begin by skimming the article to identify its structure and features. As you read, look for the author’s main points. Generate questions before, during, and after reading. Draw inferences based on your own experiences and knowledge. And to really improve understanding and recall, take notes as you read. This handout discusses each of these strategies in more detail."
- How to read and assess research postersA patient-focused page from the American Asssociation of Cancer Research.
- Journal article notebook templateA free template (pdf download) to create your own notebook on reading journal articles.
Why Trust Science? by Call Number: Q175.5 .O75 2019ISBN: 069117900XPublication Date: 2019"Tracing the history and philosophy of science from the late nineteenth century to today, Oreskes explains that, contrary to popular belief, there is no single scientific method. Rather, the trustworthiness of scientific claims derives from the social process by which they are rigorously vetted. This process is not perfect--nothing ever is when humans are involved--but she draws vital lessons from cases where scientists got it wrong. Oreskes shows how consensus is a crucial indicator of when a scientific matter has been settled, and when the knowledge produced is likely to be trustworthy."
When Can You Trust the Experts? by Call Number: LB 1028 .W519175ISBN: 1118130278Publication Date: 2012This book is focused on educational examples, but provides a handy framework for spotting bad arguments.
Statistical Reasoning for Everyday Life by Call Number: QA 276.12 .B45 2018 (RESERVES)ISBN: 9780134494043Publication Date: 2018"Designed to teach [...] core ideas through real-life examples so that students are able to understand the statistics needed in their college courses, reason with statistical information in their careers, and to evaluate and make everyday decisions using statistics. The authors approach each concept qualitatively, using computation techniques only to enhance understanding and build on ideas step-by-step, working up to real examples and complex case studies. "
Evaluating Research Articles from Start to Finish by Call Number: Q 180.55 .E9 G57 2010ISBN: 9781412974462Publication Date: 2010"Containing 25 engaging samples of ideal and flawed research, the text helps students assess the soundness of the design and appropriateness of the statistical analyses."
How to Think about Statistics by Call Number: HA 29 .P5175 1996ISBN: 0716728222Publication Date: 1995Addresses math-phobia right at the start and covers statistical topics conversationally and with general examples. This would be useful both as a supplement to using statistics in a class or as a guide to help you understand statistics you encounter in the news or in scholarly papers.
