This presentation will introduce students to the appropriate resources for their SOC 415 research assignment.

1. Library Resources to Support
Your Research Topic
Kelly Bennett
Reference & Instruction Librarian
kelly-bennett@berkeleycollege.edu

2. Using Databases
Always log in
through Blackboard
first.
Click the Library tab.
Select Databases
from the Research
& Explore drop-
down.

3. If you know the name of
the database you want
to use, you can click on
the A-Z List.

4. You can also use CQ
Researcher or Opposing
Viewpoints as starting points.

5. Quick notes on ProQuest Central:
• Do a basic search using the main search box.
• Always make sure full-text is checked.
• Narrow your search as needed.

6. There are many ways to
narrow your search.
Explore these.

7. Quick notes on CQ
Researcher:
• Use the keyword search
box or browse topics.
• CQ provides access to
reports, not articles.
• These reports are
comprehensive, giving
you in depth information
about a given
topic/question.
• Be careful of the dates.
Some reports are on the
older side.

8. Click to view an in-
depth report on the
issue with an overview,
timeline, background,
statistics, figures, etc.
Be careful!
15 years is a
bit old for this
type of report.

9. Quick notes on Opposing Viewpoints:
• You can search in the box with keywords
• Or browse the issues…
• There are many issues! See if you find
one that relates to your topic.

10. Browse all the issues, or select a
category to narrow your search.

11. OK, now what?
1. Download the Research Log Worksheet first and complete is as you work
on your research.
2. Explore two of the databases mentioned in this PowerPoint.
ProQuest Central
Opposing Viewpoints in Context
CQ Researcher
3. Do a web search and explore websites related to your issue.
What is the domain (.gov, .edu, .com, .org, etc.)?
Do they seem reliable?
4. Follow the directions in the Week 5 Discussion Board. You may also post
any questions or concerns you may have about doing research.