Research Guides: *Sociology: Background Information

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Subjects: Anthropology, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Latin American, Caribbean and Latinx Studies, Sociology, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Dictionaries and Encyclopedias

The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology by George Ritzer (Editor)
Publication Date: 2007 (continuously updated)
Explanations of key concepts, theories, and figures in sociology. Browse by topic (such as Health & Medicine, or Social Psychology) or search for a key concept (like "Attitudes and Behavior") or a major figure (like Max Weber). Although this resource was initially published in 2007, it undergoes updates twice a year to keep the content fresh.
The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Sociology by George Ritzer & Wendy Wiedenhoft Murphy (Eds.)
Publication Date: 2019
Explore the theoretical and methodological foundations of sociology, new and established debates, and the most current research in the field. Learn how sociologists approach topics ranging from crime, urbanization, sexuality, and education to new questions surrounding big data, authoritarian capitalism, and the rise of nationalism.
The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Social Theory by Bryan S. Turner (Ed.)
Publication Date: 2017
A comprehensive, interdisciplinary compendium of original entries focusing on the origins, evolution, and global development of contemporary social theory. Explore key concepts like "alienation and reification," get up to date with current approaches to a topic, such as "Sociology of AIDS," or learn more about key figures in social theory, such as Theodor Adorno.
A Dictionary of Sociology by John Scott
Publication Date: 2014
Brief explanations of terminology, methods, concepts, and thinkers in the field of sociology.

Bibliographies and Annual Reviews

Oxford Bibliographies This link opens in a new window
Start your research with this collection of annotated bibliographies. Each provides a brief overview of a topic, followed by a list of recommended books, articles, and other sources. From Afrofuturism (Literary and Critical Theory) to the Zapatista Rebellion in Chiapas (Latin American Studies), get connected to key scholarship and primary sources to support your research.
Annual Reviews This link opens in a new window
A review article can help you to get a solid background on the state of research on a given topic. Search across disciplines, or search the Annual Review of Sociology specifically.

Research Methods in Sociology

The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods by Lisa M. Given (Editor)
Call Number: eBook
Publication Date: 2008
Defines and explains core concepts, describes the techniques involved in the implementation of qualitative methods, and presents an overview of the qualitative approach to research.
Intelligent Research Design by Bob Hancké
Call Number: ebook
Publication Date: 2009
This book offers practical, jargon-free advice to doctoral researchers and graduate and advanced undergraduate students on how to embark on their research in the social sciences. The Appendix gives tips on presenting and discussing papers, and on crafting research proposals.
A Dictionary of Social Research Methods by Mark Elliot, Ian Fairweather, Wendy Olsen, and Maria Pampaka
Call Number: eBook
ISBN: 9780191816826
Publication Date: 2016
Brief explanations of key terms in social research, from practical techniques (i.e., correlation) to methodological approaches (i.e., ethnography).

Explore more guides to doing research in the social sciences using the following subject headings (links will open in OneSearch).

Social sciences -- Research -- Methodology

Qualitative research

Quantitative research