Use library resources, course text, and other external resources to gather background information on your topic. 

Keep in mind: 

• Do not be afraid to use the search engine Google for a better understanding. Jot down common keywords from your notes and apply it to your search using the library's databases. 
• Try using the databases below to support your background searches 

Photo by Reagan Freeman on Unsplash

Visit the articles page to see suggested sociology focused databases. Have questions, book an appointment. 

Try these sample searches in JSTOR: 

• viewers AND "reality tv" AND sociology
• (reality tv OR reality television) AND "mass media" AND "perception of"
• (makeover reality tv OR makeover reality television) AND governmentality

Photo by Reagan Freeman on Unsplash

Be intentional about the resources that you add to your bibliography. Your list of resources is beneficial to the scholar who reads your work. 

• Who is the author(s) or editor(s) of the work? What else have they published? Would you consider them an expert in the field?
• What type of resource are you looking to cite? 
• When was this resource published? 
• Why was this resource published? What does the author or editor want you to know? 
• Where did you find the resource? If it's an article, what journal published the article? Does it match your area of focus? 

Photo by Reagan Freeman on Unsplash

Using the ASA 7th edition, give credit to the authors and editors of the works you selected to include in your research assignment. You can grab this edition by visiting the Research Assistance Desk at James B. Duke Library. 

Call number: 

HM 596. A54 2019

ASA Quick Tips provided by the American Sociological Association

Photo by Reagan Freeman on Unsplash