SOC 120: Galta, S. (Fall 2024): Finding background information
Databases for background info
Finding Background Info
The library databases that can provide excellent background information on a variety of topics. Consider the ones linked below
- Gale eBooks This link opens in a new window
Digitized reference works, covering many disciplines. Very useful for background information on a topic. - CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window
These weekly reports provide thoughtfully written analyses of social, economic and political issues. Every issue features an extensive report on one topic. - Points of View Reference Center This link opens in a new window
Articles on 400 topics, each with an overview and an argument, and many with opposing arguments. Also includes primary sources.
Why get background info?
Why Start With Background Info?
Research, write, and speak from a position of knowledge
An overview of your topic area provides you with specialized vocabulary that is used relating to your topic (you can use these words for searches later in your research process), and helps you to understand the following:
- The historical perspective on your topic
- What the key issues are and how you may want to refine your topic
- Who are the stakeholders (the groups or individuals interested in or affected by this topic)
- A context of how your topic relates to the other issues that surround it
Search for background info in Gale eBooks
Search Gale eBooks
- Gale eBooks This link opens in a new windowDigitized reference works, covering many disciplines. Very useful for background information on a topic.
Search tips:
- In the search box at the top, start by typing in keywords (e.g., "opioid dependence," like in the sample below). For keywords that are a phrase, then you can also put those words in quotation marks. This keeps those words together in your search results, and leads to more relevant results.
- Click on the title of the article to read the full article -- and get extra tools to help you email and cite the article!
- Take note of the title of the encyclopedia or reference book -- this will give you clues about the subject matter or context
- Take note of the publication date and page count.
- Also pay attention to different ways you can filter, or narrow down, your results.
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