Developing a Search Strategy
- Developing Keywords TutorialThis short, interactive tutorial covers how to develop keywords from a research question, and how to modify them for better results.
- Keyword Searching in PsycINFO tutorialTips for searching in the database PsycINFO
Primary Databases
If you are off-campus, you may be prompted to log into the remote access portal with your USC email ID and password.
- ProQuest SociologyProvides full-text access to core journals in Sociology, including some journals featured in Sociological Abstracts
- Google ScholarSet up the "Library Links" under "Scholar Preferences" to include access to USC Libraries' holdings in your results screen (via "Find it @ USC").
- Web of Knowledge (Web of Science)Multi-disciplinary database. Tip: To increase the relevancy of results, limit your search to the Social Sciences Citation Index using the check boxes below the search field.
- Sociological Abstracts This link opens in a new windowPrimary resource for sociology and related disciplines in the social sciences. Database draws from an international selection of over 2,600 journals, plus conference papers, books, and dissertations.
More Databases: Related Subjects
- ProQuest Religion Database This link opens in a new windowAn article database, mainly full-text, pertaining to all aspects of the study of religion, dealing with historical foundations to contemporary issues.
- ProQuest Political Science Database This link opens in a new windowThis database gives users access to hundreds of leading political science and international relations journals.
- CQ Researcher Plus Archive This link opens in a new windowCovers health, social trends, criminal justice, international affairs, education, the environment, technology, and the economy. Each single-themed, report is researched and written by a seasoned journalist providing background and overview of topic.
- JSTOR This link opens in a new windowArchive of core social science, humanities, and science journals. In some cases, the most recently published issues (past 3-5 years) may not be available.
- Abstracts in Social Gerontology This link opens in a new windowIncludes the psychology of aging, elder abuse, and society and the elderly.
- ERIC (ProQuest) This link opens in a new windowEducation Resources Information Center (ERIC) database. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education.
- GenderWatch This link opens in a new windowFocuses on the impact of gender across a broad spectrum of subject areas. Publications include academic and scholarly journals, magazines, newspapers, newsletters, regional publications, books, booklets and pamphlets, conference proceedings, and government, n-g-o and special reports.
- LGBTQ+ Source This link opens in a new windowLGBT Life is the premier resource to the world's literature regarding Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Transsexual issues.
- PsycINFO This link opens in a new windowJournal articles, chapters, books, dissertations and reports on psychology and related fields.
- Social Work Abstracts This link opens in a new windowSocial work and other related journals on topics such as homelessness, AIDS, child and family welfare, aging, substance abuse,legislation, community organization, and more.
Looking for a specific database
Looking for a specific journal
Can't find what you are looking for?
- Ask-A-LibrarianSee options for contacting a librarian in-person or by phone, email, or chat.
- Interlibrary LoanNeed it quickly? Request articles not available through the USC Libraries by Interlibrary Loan. Articles will be made available in PDF format. (First time users will need to register.)