Sociology

1. Academic and Scholarly Information:

• Peer-Reviewed Articles: Use Library Search to find rigorously reviewed, high standard scholarly journal articles, from databases such as Web of Science, and JSTOR.
• Books and Monographs: Library Search also provides access to the library's catalogue, allowing you to search across hundreds of thousands of books and ebooks.
• Dissertations and Theses: These often contain original research and can be valuable for exploring niche topics. Search for them in ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.
• Conference Papers and Proceedings: These provide insights into current research trends and preliminary findings. Look for them in databases like Social Science Research Network or on the websites of relevant conferences, such as the ISA World Congress of Sociology.

2. Data and Statistics:

• Government Data Portals: Government agencies often collect and publish extensive sociological data. Explore resources like the U.S. Census Bureau, the UK Office for National Statistics, or the World Bank's data portal for information on demographics, social trends, and economic indicators.
• Research Data Repositories: These house datasets collected by researchers for various studies. Explore ICPSR (Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research), the UK Data Service or Figshare, an open access repository for researchers to share research outputs and data.
• Qualitative Data Repositories: For qualitative research, explore repositories like the Qualitative Data Repository (QDR) for interview transcripts, field notes, and other rich sources of data.
• Statistical Yearbooks and Reports: A number of charities and non-governmental organisations publish annual complilations and analyses on various social issues, including the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Amnesty International, The Trevor Project, and others.

3. Grey Literature:

• Government Reports and Policy Briefs: These documents provide insights into social policies and their impact. Check government websites or use Google to search for specific topics.
• Think Tanks and Research Institutes: Organisations like the Pew Research Center, the Brookings Institution, and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation focus on social issues. They often produce reports, policy briefs, and data visualisations that are accessible and relevant to sociological research.
• Working Papers and Preprints: These are early versions of research papers that have not yet been peer-reviewed. Find them on SocArXiv or Advance.
• NGO Reports and Publications: Non-governmental organisations often work on social issues and publish reports on their findings and advocacy efforts.

4. News and Media:

• Reputable News Outlets: Stay informed about current events and social issues through major news outlets like The New York Times, Al Jazeera, and BBC News, which provide timely reporting and analysis.
• Social Media (with caution): While not always a primary source, social media platforms can offer insights into public opinion, social movements, and emerging trends. Look for verified accounts of researchers, organisations, and news outlets for more reliable information.

5. Additional Sources:

• Historical Archives: Archives like the National Archives (UK) and the Library of Congress (US) contain historical documents, such as diplomatic correspondence, government records, and personal papers, that can provide valuable insights into past events and policy decisions.

Important Considerations:

• Critically Evaluate Sources: Not all information is created equal. Assess the author's credentials, the publication date, the methodology used, and potential biases.
• Diversify Your Sources: Look for information from a variety of perspectives to get a well-rounded understanding of your topic.
• Stay Current: Sociology is a dynamic field. Read recent publications and follow relevant news outlets to stay abreast of emerging trends and debates.
• Use Proper Citation: Always give credit to the original authors and sources of your information to avoid plagiarism and maintain academic integrity.

Remember, each type of source has its strengths and limitations. By using a combination of these resources, you can gain a comprehensive and well-rounded understanding of the complex issues that the world we live in.