Library Guides: ENGL 202A: Effective Writing: Writing in the Social Sciences: Choosing a Topic

Head Librarian, Penn State Fayette Library

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Resources

In addition to providing basic information, these databases and web sites have tools that enable you to brainstorm ideas.

Wikipedia
Not a quotable resource for most assignments. But Wikipedia can help you identify keywords, narrow your topic, and explore related topics.

CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window
Click on "browse topics" to explore ideas. Each report typically includes background information, pro/con essays, and other resources.
The CQ Researcher is a collection of reports covering political and social issues, with regular reports on topics in health, international affairs, education, the environment, technology and the U.S. economy. Keywords: hot topics, current events, social issues, social trends, archive, English 15, CAS 100, background information, general interest, contemporary issues, overviews. CQ Global Researcher (formerly a stand alone DB) content was merged into CQ Researcher.
Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL) This link opens in a new window
Provides brief encyclopedia articles.
A collection of over 1000 reference resources.
Opposing Viewpoints This link opens in a new window
Click on "browse issues" for hundreds of topic ideas. Also provides persuasive essays, news articles, and other resources for each topic.
Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center provides research and background information on social issues. The database contains the essays from the Opposing Viewpoints series, supplemented by statistics, primary documents, links to websites, and full-text magazine and newspaper articles. Keywords: hot topics, current events, social issues, social trends, English 15, CAS 100, background information, general interest, contemporary issues, overviews.
Global Issues This link opens in a new window
Similar to Opposing Viewpoints and CQ Researcher, but looks at social issues outside of the United States.
Offers current, international news and perspectives on a variety of topics and events throughout the world. It brings together an array of sources to explain the historical and contemporary conditions in a wide range of subject areas, including sociology, civics, politics, science, economics, cultural/religious studies, women's studies, and human rights. Updated daily.

JSTOR Daily
Commentary on current events that are popular in scholarly journals.

Choosing a Topic: Magazines and Applied Journals

Magazines can spark ideas for research topics. Journals that focus on "applied" (real-world) topics are also helpful. Here are some you can read for free online or through the library:

AARP Bulletin
A magazine from the American Association of Retired Persons.
American Psychologist
Child Development Perspectives
Children's Voice
Columbia Journalism Review
Contexts: Understanding People in Their Social Worlds
A publication of the American Sociological Association.
CSEye
A magazine by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
Educational Leadership
Education Week
Family Relations
Frontline
Not a magazine or journal, but an award-winning weekly documentary series about current political and social concerns.
Gerontology News
Human Rights
A magazine by the American Bar Association. Each issue focuses on a distinct topic, such as rights for persons with disabilities or the death penalty.
Journal of Applied Psychology
Monitor on Psychology
Phi Delta Kappan
Focuses on Education.
Policy & Practice
Concerns human services.
Scientific American Mind
Social Work Today
YC: Young Children (NAEYC)