This document provides guidance on conducting medical sociology research. It discusses citation management using RefWorks, basic search strategies like using Boolean operators, narrowing and expanding searches using asterisks and proximity searches. It also discusses selecting the appropriate database, keeping track of citations, and contacting the librarian for help.

1. Medical
Sociology
Soc 462

2. Today we will cover….
Citation Management (refworks)
Basic Search Strategy
Narrowing and Expanding Searches
One search/selecting the right database
Finding additional help

3. Before we start doing research
Refworks
First get a Refworks Account
Sign up for the account at refworks.com
Set up a folder and we are ready to save articles
Remember- even if the article is full text- put it in
your refworks file so you can have the citation

4. Basic Search Strategy
Narrows a search
Both terms appear in same record
AND
Terms have different meanings
example: Blacks AND depression
Broadens a search
Either term may appear in record
OR
Terms have similar meanings
example: (mental health OR psychology)

5. Narrowing and expanding
Can look for multiple endings of a
word or plurals
asterisk
hisp* hispanics, hispanic, hispanic americans
Allows you to specify how close you
want your terms to appear in the
record
Proximity social w1 identity = social identity = “social identity”

6. Self disclosure and health information
Single parents and depression
Social environment and stigma and disease

7. 5 ways to start your search effectively
1. Pick the correct database
2. Match your terminology to
the database
3. Search more than one
database
4. Keep track of your citations in
refworks
5. Contact me for help BEFORE
you get frustrated!

8. 2 Ways to Search
Not every search is alike!
The new interface of the
library allows you to find
information in an
expansive search. One Search
Searches for books, articles
The databases by topic and reports across many
allow you to find articles databases
in a specific discipline
and use more advance
terminology Databases by Topic
Select Medical or
Sociology and search
databases individually

9. Getting the Article
Full Text
HTML
BeachReach

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

11. Get it @CSULB box pops up

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

13. I am still confused…

14. Additional Help
Tiffini Travis
Email
ttravis@csulb.edu
Office Hours
On the sociology
research guide!