This document provides an overview of Sociology 355 Research Methods. It begins by listing terms related to research subjects that may be used in databases. It then outlines 5 indicators that an article is empirical, including length, publication in an academic journal, inclusion of methodology terms, number of references, and authorship by academics. It also discusses Boolean operators like AND, OR, and proximity searching. The document concludes by describing ways to obtain full-text articles, including through the library's ArticleReach and Get@CSULB services. It emphasizes evaluating sources for relevance and information related to one's topic and research question.

1. Sociology 355
Research Methods
Communication Studies Librarian

2. What kinds of
information do
you need?

3. Write down terms
that relate to
your subjects
Remember
synonyms
Determine vocabulary that
may be used in a database

4. 5
ways to tell it’s an
publications
Empirical Article
10-15 pages long
Published in an academic journal
Contains words like: data, participants,
results, methodology, discussion, further research
20-46 References
Written by academics or researchers

5. Narrows a search
Both terms appear in same record
AND
Terms have different meanings
example: infidelity AND culture
Broadens a search
Either term may appear in record
OR
Terms have similar meanings
example: adultery OR cheating

6. Can look for multiple endings of a
word or plurals
asterisk
measure* measure measures
Allows you to specify how close
you want your terms to appear in
the record
Proximity
Phrase Searching
online w4 interaction within 4 words
“online interaction”

7. Punk rock music and social protest
Single parents and academic achievement
Football hooligans and social class

8. Getting the Article
Full Text
HTML
ArticleReach

9. If the record isn’t full text
Click on Get@CSULB
to determine availability

10. Get it @CSULB box pops up

11. makes getting an article as simple
as saying, "I want it!"

12. Does the source:
Meet the requirements of your assignment?
Help you answer your research question?
Include relevant
information for
your topic?

13. Citing sources
karen_yim
Instagram Image by
Books
Articles
In-text citations
Book Chapters
Web Sites
OWL Purdue Writing Guides: ASA Style
This page provides links to a variety of online
examples of citing.

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16. Tiffini Travis ttravis@csulb.edu