Sociology

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We have selected these resources to help you find relevant information on your research topic. Please contact a librarian for help using the resources listed in this guide or for help with your research process.

Contents

Reference and Background Information

Search for Reference sources that contain information about your specific research topic here:


You may also consult the resources below for overviews of the topic that you have chosen to research. Use these resources to help you to put your topic in context and give you the big picture of what information exists about your topic. These resources may have bibliographies at the end of each entry that can help further your research.

  • Dictionary of Sociology
    Level 1 Reference HM17 .C66 1998 and Simmons Eresource
    This dictionary of sociology defines and describes sociological theories, schools, and movements. Entires are also provided on theorists, such as French philosopher Gilles Deleuze and German psychoanalyst Erich Fromm, and what they contributed not only in the field of sociology but also in psychology, economics, anthropology, philosophy, and political science. The length of entries ranges from two sentences to two pages. Included in these entries, as part of the text, are titles to major monographs.

  • Encyclopedia of Social Theory
    Level 1 Reference HM425 .E47 2004
    This set of volumes presents an international perspective on social theory, including key theories and theorists. The relatively long entries provide of wealth of information on each topic covered, and each entry also includes a guide for further reading.

  • Encyclopedia of Sociology
    Level 1 Reference HM19 .E5 2000
    This encyclopedia contains a series of entries on various sociology topics like alternative lifestyles, content analysis, and terrorism. Each entry gives a broad and thorough overview of each topic and includes relevant facts, statistics or figures as necessary, making this encyclopedia an excellent resource for a paper.

  • International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences
    Level 1 Reference H41 .I58 2001 and Simmons Eresource
    An excellent first resource for anyone conducting scholarly research on Social and Behavioral Science topics. This 26 volume encyclopedia contains articles with subject headings, tables, statistics, and cross references. Detailed background information on topics ranging from "Aboriginal Rights" to "Zooarchaeology" are listed with a significant bibliography at the end of each entry.

  • International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences
    Level 1 Reference H40.A2 I5
    This 9-volume work offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of social sciences, taking into account the major developments in the field over the last century. The entries are brief, cross-referenced and include bibliographies. An alphabetical list of entries and the authors' credentials are included at the beginning of volume 1. An index is featured at the conclusion of volume 9.

  • Social Science Encyclopedia
    Level 1 Reference H41 .S63 1996 and Simmons Eresource
    Contributors from all over the world have created a Social Science Encyclopedia with various entries on the philosophy of the social sciences, profiles of key historical figures, and the various schools of thought. How the field relates to the following topics: "management and industrial relations, economic and financial analysis, planning, communications, therapy, aptitude tests" and more are discussed in this encyclopedia.

  • Sociology: A Guide to Reference and Information Sources
    Level 1 Reference HM585 .A24 2005
    Looking for a resource that provides information on the best Sociology resources available? Websites, dictionaries, handbooks, yearbooks, journals, indexes, and databases in the field are annotated to help you determine which resource will be the most helpful.

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Methodology

  • Dictionary of Social Science Methods
    Level 1 Reference H41 .M54 1983
    This Social Science dictionary provides definitions on terms ranging from "Abscissa" to "Z-transformation (of a Correlation Coefficient)". Equations, when useful are offered as well as cross references, figures and tables.


  • Dictionary of Statistics & Methodology: A Nontechnical Guide for the Social Sciences
    Level 1 Reference HA17 .V64 2005
    This third edition dictionary provides clear definitions on statistics and methodology terms. When applicable, tables and charts are used to explain the terms. Cross references provide additional information. Non-technical language is used to help the reader understand the definition. In the beginning of the book, A "List of Figures" tells the reader which terms have the figures. Examples of terms include "A-B-A-B Designs", "Abduction", and "Y Variable".



  • Encyclopedia of Measurement and Statistics
    Level 1 Reference HA29 .S2363 2007
    A three volume encyclopedia of measurement and statistical terms. Entries include related terminology, related diagrams, and much more.


  • Encyclopedia of Social Measurement
    Level 1 Reference H62 .E53 2005
    Unlike encyclopedias that have many short entries, this three volume encyclopedia has fewer, much more lengthy entries. Entries focus on more general topics, such as "agricultural statistics," and how social measurement is used within these fields. There are also entries about important people, and research methods.


  • Handbook of Research Methods: A Guide for Practitioners and Students in the Social Sciences
    Level 1 Reference Q180.55.M4 S67 1995
    A guide for social science students and professionals about conducting accurate and fruitful research. The guide easily and concisely explains many of the most frequently asked research questions such as how to use statistics, and how to collect data.


  • International Social Survey Programme
    Free Online
    From the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP), an organization that stresses international collaboration on studies and social surveys. This web page provides free access to the questionnaires and results from social surveys conducted by ISSP on topics such as "Family and Gender Roles" and "National Identity."


  • Inventory of Longitudinal Studies in the Social Sciences
    Level 1 Reference H62 .Y667 1991
    A compilation of some of the most significant longitudinal studies from the twentieth century. Each entry contains a brief history of the study, an overview of the topics covered, and relevant charts and other data.


  • Sage Dictionary of Statistics
    Level 1 Reference HA17 .C73 2004
    An easy-to-use dictionary of all of the most frequently used (and most difficult) terminology related to statistics, especially meant for social science students and professionals. Definitions include related terms, and charts and diagrams when necessary.


  • Sage Encyclopedia of Social Science Research Methods
    Level 1 Reference H62 .L456 2004
    This three volume encyclopedia contains entries, some brief and some lengthy and detailed, about all of the terminology, methods, practices, formulas, and other important aspects of social science research.

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Finding Articles

Below are suggested databases and indexes for articles on the topic that you have chosen to research. These databases include articles from newspapers, magazines and scholarly journals. Articles are shorter and more narrowly focused than books or reference materials so you should use them after you have narrowed your topic.

  • Sociological Abstracts
    Simmons Eresource
    A key resource for finding published research in sociology and related disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences. The database draws information from an international selection of over 2,600 journals and other serial publications, plus conference papers, books, and dissertations. Use the Advanced Search for a more precise search.

  • Social Sciences Index
    Simmons E-resource
    A database of abstracts and full-text articles from several social science publications. Updated weekly.

  • Social Services Abstracts
    Simmons Eresource
    This database covers current research on social work, human services and related areas. The database abstracts and indexes over 1,300 serials publications and includes abstracts of journal articles and dissertations, and citations to book reviews. It is updated monthly.

  • Academic Search Complete
    Simmons Eresource
    Academic Search Complete is a great place to start your search for both popular and scholarly articles, no matter what your topic is! It contains journals from almost every topic and is designed specifically for academic institutions. It provides more than 5,300 full-text periodicals, 4,400 of which are peer-reviewed journals. This resource also features content as far back as 1865.

  • Academic Onefile
    Simmons Eresource
    Academic Onefile contains 8,000 academic journals, the majority in full-text, available in HTML and PDF formats. In addition it contains hundreds of podcasts and transcripts from NPR, CNN, and the CBC.

  • Expanded Academic ASAP
    Simmons Eresource
    From arts and the humanities to social sciences, science and technology, this database meets research needs across all academic disciplines. Access scholarly journals, news magazines, and newspapers - many with full text and images. Updated daily.
    TIP: Use the Advanced Search for a more precise search!

  • Social Science Citation Index -- ISI Web of Science
    Simmons Eresource
    This resource finds article citations and abstracts from almost two thousand scholarly journals related to the social sciences, and the fields that make up the social sciences, such as economics and political science.
    Note: Full text of the cited articles is not available through Social Science Citation Index. Click the link that says "Check for Full-Text Availability" to determine if the library has access to the article. Remember, if we do not have the entire article, it can be requested through Interlibrary Loan.

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Searching the Web

Simmons librarians have created a customized search engine that allows you to find Sociology information on the free web. Use this Sociology Google Custom Search Engine' box to search all select, quality free web sites at the same time:


You may also choose to go directly to, or bookmark, the Sociology Google Custom Search Engine' Tips for Searching the Internet:

  • Use the advanced search function, which is available from most search engines:
  • Limit your search to .edu and .gov sites. These often provide quality research, statistics, and commentary. Sites ending in .org often have good information, too, but are likely to espouse a strong stance or bias on the issues they cover and may not be objective.
  • Try Scandoo, which presents search results from Google, Yahoo! Search, or Live (MSN) with an evaluation about the objectivity, credibility, and overall reliability of the site.
  • Consider using a directory of pre-screened, annotated sites:

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Writing Style and Citation

American Sociological Association Style Guide
Level 1 Reference HM569 .A54 2007
A clear, concise guide for citing ASA style.

For more information on style and citation for this discipline, please contact the Simmons College Writing Center

You may also consider consulting these resources:

  • Writing Resources
    Free Online
    The Writing Center provides online resources for citing your research. If you are unsure of which citation style to use, consult your professor and consider the following:
    • Use APA (American Psychological Association) when your topic is in the Social Sciences
    • Use ASA (American Sociological Association) when your topic is in Sociology
    • Use MLA (Modern Language Association) when your topic is in the Humanities
    • Use Chicago/Turabian when your topic is in Literature, History or the Arts
    • Use CSE (Council of Science Editors) when your topic is in the Sciences


  • RefWorks
    Simmons Eresource
    RefWorks is a great program for organizing articles, books, and other materials you need for research. You can also use RefWorks to create bibliographies, create in text citations in your paper (Write-N-Cite), and share your research with others. Access RefWorks from the A-Z list of resources on the library's web page, and then follow the instructions to create your own username and password. We hold RefWorks Clinics throughout the semester. For more information, ask a reference librarian

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Related Topics

Demographics and Statistics

Social Issues

Tests and Measures

Writing Style and Citation

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