McIntyre Library

Getting Started| Researching comm/journ topics | Resources for reporters | Citing sources | Plagiarism | Additional resources | McIntyre Library home

Communication & Journalism CJ 300/500

Getting started

It's a good idea to begin your research by getting a working knowledge of your topic, which is a basic understanding of the concepts, vocabulary and issues surrounding your topic. Once you have a working knowledge of your topic, you will be better prepared to dig a little deeper. The library has specialized encyclopedias, dictionaries and handbooks in the Reference collection, which are good sources of background information. They can also be excellent resources to browse when you are choosing a topic to research.
  • McIntyre Online Catalog: limit your search to the Reference collection or include the word "encyclopedias" in a keyword search.
    Use broad or general terms under which your specific topic may be included. For example, if you are writing an article about nanotechnology, consider searching for a science or technology encyclopedia that will provide a concise, authoratative overview.
  • Subject dictionaries
  • Subject encyclopedias
  • Encyclopedia of Communication and Information
  • Sage Encyclopedia of Social Science Research Methods
    H62 .S34 2004 (Reference Collection)
  • CQ Researcher: Reports on current, controversial issues of the day. Summarizes the current debate and gives sources for additional information

Additional resources:
 

 

Research methods

 McIntyre Online Catalog: search the catalog for books, government documents, videos/DVDs/CDs Help

Searching on some of the following subject headings in the catalog may be useful in finding books on research methodologyl:
  • Social surveys
  • Questionnaires
  • Interviews
  • Social sciences--Research
  • [subject matter]--research
  • Qualitative research

Communication and Journalism databases: A list of the best databases for searching on topics in the area of communication, media, journalism, public relations, etc.

Social Sciences databases: Databases covering the broad range of social science disciplines

In a database, look for the option to limit your search to "peer-reviewed," "scholarly," "academic" or "refereed" journals.

Try including terms like "empirical study," "research," "methodology" in your search to find examples of empirical studies.

To find examples of research instruments, see the guide on Tests and Mental Measurements

Resources for reporters

  • Databases by discipline: Find the best databases for searching for articles in the subject area on which you are reporting.
  • News databases: Find articles and commentary from thousands of regional, national and international newspapers, wire services, news releases, broadcast transcripts, and more
  • LexisNexis Academic: Provides news from a broad range of media, including regional, national and international newspapers; online media and wire services; broadcast news transcripts; and trade magazines. In addition, it contains sections for researching business, law, biographical information and more.
  • LexisNexis Congressional: Provides a full range of congressional information, including bills, public laws, legislative histories, regulations, voting records, campaign contributions, commmittees and more.
  • Associations Unlimited (and its print counterpart, Encyclopedia of Associations, REF HS17 .G3): a database/book that provides a wealth of information about associations and organizations. Professional and trade associations can be useful sources of information and statistics.
  • Columbia International Affairs Online (CIAO): working papers, policy briefs, journals, books, case studies on international issues.
  • Statistical Abstract: This compilation is a great source of data on a wide range of topics. It is also useful in directing you to additional sources of data. (Also available in print at the library reference desk).
  • AmericanFactfinder: the U.S. Census source for population, housing, economic, and geographic data
  • Business information
    (UWEC)
  • Scholarly vs. popular journals: How to tell the difference
  • Periodical list: find out what journals/magazines/newspapers McIntyre Library has (online or in print)

Citing Sources (APA)

Avoiding Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the failure--intentional or unintentional--to give someone else credit for his/her words, ideas or creative work. It can range from improperly documenting a source in a paper to downloading an entire paper from the Web and turning it in as your own work.

Find out more:

UW-Eau ClaireMcIntyre Library, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | Jill Markgraf | Updated: June 10, 2008