Library: Sociology Research Guide: SOC 210 Research Assignment

Recommended resources

Gale eBooks This link opens in a new window
Encyclopedias and other reference sources.
Academic Search Complete This link opens in a new window
This database covers lots of different subjects and has a mix of scholarly articles and magazines/news articles.
CQ Researcher (Congressional Quarterly) This link opens in a new window
This database has extensive reports on major social issues. Highly recommend looking up your issue here.
Opposing Viewpoints This link opens in a new window
Pro/con database of social issues.
ProQuest Newspapers This link opens in a new window
OneSearch This link opens in a new window
This database is helpful if you want to cast a wide net. A lot of results can be overwhelming, but sometimes they can help you get ideas if you're stuck.

Use our Gale encyclopedias (in the box above) to find the historical context for your social issue. This will help you write the introduction.
Use the "Advanced Search" option in our databases so you can search for multiple terms at once.
Add the word sociology or social aspects as a second search term to find sociology-specific results.
- Example:
Think of synonyms for your search terms.
Add United States to any search to narrow the results
Advanced tips:
- Truncate ethnic* to pick up all the possible headings beginning with ethnic--also immigra*
- Try: Mexico and (social OR ethic OR culture) and conflict (OR broadens the search & picks up all 3)
The more search terms you use, the fewer results you get. Be flexible, try different combinations!

Choose a social problem you are interested in.
Research your social problem:
- Definition of the social issue
- History
- People affected
- Solutions
Develop a detailed solution to address this social problem.
In addition to the textbook, you need a minimum of 3 credible sources.
- They don't have to be peer-reviewed, and reliable news sources are ok.

Search these terms as subjects rather than keywords whenever possible to get fewer, better results (whole books or articles about these topics)

U.S. Topics