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Pollak Library

Political Science: Course Guides

This subject guide was created to showcase library resources for Political Science research.

POSC 200: Stacy Fox

This page is dedicated to the Library Research Project for Stacy Fox's POSC 200. All of these resources can be accessed using OneSearch or the web using the links below. Database recommendations are included where applicable. For any questions or further help, please email me or schedule a research appointment.

Academic Journals

Political Science Journals, Law Journals, and other field-specific academic journals serve different purposes in research, with some areas of overlap. By examining insights from various journals, researchers can develop a more nuanced perspective and multidisciplinary understanding of political issues.

Political Science Journals (e.g., American Political Science Review, Journal of International AffairsPolitical Behavior):

  • Focus on the study of politics, government, and political behavior.
  • Articles in these journals cover theories, methodologies, case studies, and empirical research related to political science.
  • Use these journals for in-depth analysis of political phenomena, trends, and theoretical developments.

Law Journals (e.g., Harvard Law Review, Yale Law Journal, Stanford Law Review, California Law Review):

  • Concentrate on legal theories, case law, and the practice of law.
  • Articles often explore legal precedents, judicial decisions, and legal reforms.
  • Useful for political science research when examining the intersection of law and politics, such as legal influences on political systems, policy analysis, or the impact of judicial decisions on political outcomes.

Other Field Journals (e.g., JAMA, Journal of Education Policy, American Economic Review, Public Administration Review):

  • These journals provide diverse perspectives and research findings that can enrich political science studies by offering insights into health and education policies, public opinion, economic factors, and administrative practices.

Using journals from related fields in Political Science research reinforces an interdisciplinary approach. Adding perspectives from related academic fields enriches understanding of political issues, such as the legal dimensions of policy. It can provide contextual understanding to gain a broader view of how politics intersects with other disciplines, which can enhance analyses of policy implications, governance, and public administration. Related fields can also help demonstrate policy impact providing a more comprehensive view of political phenomena.

Professional Magazine / Professional Journal

Professional Magazines also known as Trade Journals are specialized publications for professionals in specific fields. They are often sponsored by professional associations and used by professionals to stay informed, improve their practices, and connect with their field.

Professional Magazines / Trade Journals (e.g., State Legislatures Magazine, The Police Chief, GoverningPublic Opinion QuarterlyPolitical Science Today)

  • Specialized periodicals for various professional fields. They offer industry-specific news, practical advice, and updates on relevant issues. 
  • These publications provide detailed information about specific industries or trades. They include articles on industry trends, technological advancements, best practices, and other topics pertinent to professionals in that trade.

Key characteristics of these publications include their targeted audience—professionals in specific fields. They provide relevant content not typically covered in other media, focusing on practical information such as case studies and real-world examples. Unlike academic journals, they offer practical advice, career advancement tips, and development opportunities. They often feature profiles of influential figures and information on relevant conferences or professional events. Content is typically authored by industry experts or knowledgeable practitioners.

News Stories

There are three different types of articles located in a daily newspaper that you should be familiar: 

Newspaper News Story

  • Reports factual details about recent events, such as what happened, when, where, and who was involved. It aims to be objective, using sources like interviews and official statements. It often follows the inverted pyramid style, with the most crucial information listed first.
  • e.g.: a report on a new policy announcement by a local government, detailing the specifics and impact of the policy.

Newspaper Analysis Story

  • Explains why an event is happening and provide context and background. It examines causes, effects, and significance, using expert opinions and data to help readers understand the reasons behind an event without offering opinions on what should be done. The structure offers a balanced view of the broader implications and underlying issues.
  • e.g: an article analyzing the economic factors leading to a recent rise in inflation, including expert opinions and historical comparisons.

Newspaper Editorial or Opinion Article

  • Argues a specific viewpoint or recommends an action, aiming to persuade readers. It presents arguments, opinions, and recommendations, with editorials reflecting the newspaper’s stance and opinion articles showing individual views. The structure usually starts with a clear statement, followed by supporting arguments, and ends with a call to action or concluding thought.
  • In-house editorials, authored by the newspaper's staff, express its official stance and are found in the editorial section. Submitted or outside opinion pieces are authored by external contributors such as academics, industry experts, or community members, and are typically featured in the op-ed section. They reflect the individual views of their authors rather than the newspaper’s official position, offering a range of perspectives.
  • e.g: An in-house editorial might back a local tax initiative, while an opinion piece may be an op-ed by a university professor advocating for educational reform.

Examples of News Articles on the topic of Immigration might include the following:

Books

Academic Publishers and Popular Press Books differ significantly in their focus, audience, and purpose, which impacts how information is presented and perceived. The distinction between these types of publishers matters because it affects the credibility, depth, and purpose of the information.

Academic Press Books / Academic Publishers (e.g. Oxford University Press, University of California Press, Elsevier, Routledge, Springer, Wiley, Taylor & Francis, SAGE Publications, etc.)

  • Scholarly works such as research monographs and textbooks for an academic audience. These publications undergo rigorous peer review, feature in-depth analysis, and are heavily referenced. They are used for teaching, research, and professional development, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and ensuring accuracy in specialized fields.
  • You can target these titles in OneSearch using the Advanced Search by entering University Press OR Academic Press and using the Author/Contributor dropdown menu search option. You can also examine the publisher details in any library book record in OneSearch.

Popular Press Books (e.g. Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Bloomsbury, Macmillan, etc.)

  • Books for a general audience, such as novels and biographies, aim to entertain, inform, or persuade without rigorous academic standards. They are written in an accessible, engaging style for broad appeal and readability, often used for leisure or general information rather than for  research purposes.

Academic publishers ensure the integrity and scholarly value of their content through rigorous review and research, making their works essential for academic and professional purposes. Popular press books, while more accessible and engaging, prioritize readability and mass appeal, which can influence public understanding and interest in various topics. Understanding these differences helps readers choose the appropriate source based on their needs for in-depth research or general knowledge.

Government Information

Government publications are invaluable for research purposes due to their credibility, comprehensiveness, and accessibility. Official government websites now provide access to authoritative data including statistics and essential reports useful for historical research. Government publications cover a wide range of topics, from economic indicators and public health statistics to legal documents and policy analyses.

Data Sources

A bulk data source provides large qualities of data, often in a downloadable format, such as datasets or files, often used for extensive analysis and processing. Common data sources include government data repositories, large-scale surveys, and commercial data providers offering comprehensive datasets for research and business purposes. Some examples include:

Polls

A poll is a method of collecting and analyzing public opinion on various issues or preferences. Organizations conduct polls to gather data on topics ranging from political views to consumer behavior.

Raw Polling Data refers to the initial, unprocessed results collected directly from respondents. This data includes responses to survey questions before any analysis or summarization is done.

Polls Published by the Survey Organization are processed and analyzed results that the polling organization releases to the public. These polls present findings in a structured format, often including summaries, methodology, charts, and interpretations of the data.

Polls Reported Within a News Article are summaries and interpretations of poll results provided by media outlets. These reports typically highlight key findings and offer context or analysis to help readers understand the significance of the data.

  • Pew Research Center - Offers a wide range of reports and datasets on social trends, politics, and public opinion.
  • Gallup - Provides polling data and analysis on various topics including political views, economic conditions, and public attitudes.
  • Roper Center for Public Opinion Research - Features a collection of historical and contemporary public opinion data from various sources.
  • YouGov - Publishes regular polls and survey data on politics, economics, and social issues.
  • Ipsos - Shares summaries and insights from their global polling on diverse topics.
  • FiveThirtyEight - Features interactive data and commentary on a variety of topics, including political polls and economic indicators.

Think Tank Blog Entry or Report

A think tank blog entry or report is a publication from organizations that conduct research and analysis on public policy and social issues. Some examples include:

  • Brookings Institution - In-depth reports on various topics, including economics, governance, and global development. Their reports often provide detailed policy analysis and recommendations based on extensive research and data.
  • Rand Corporation - Includes detailed research findings and policy recommendations derived from rigorous analysis and modeling.
  • Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) - Reports focused on California’s public policy issues, such as education, water management, and state governance. These reports provide data-driven insights and policy suggestions to address state-specific challenges.
  • Center for American Progress - nonpartisan policy institute with research articles on a range of political issues.
  • Hoover Institution - Analyses of current policy challenges and research articles from Hoover scholar.
  • Economic Policy Institute - Carries out economic research and analyzes the economic impact of policies and proposals.
  • Center on Budget and Policy Priorities - Analyzes the impact of federal and state government budget policies.

Special Interest Group Blog Entry or Report

An interest group blog entry or report is a publication produced by organizations that advocate for specific causes or represent particular sectors. These sources present the group's perspectives, policy positions, and activities related to their advocacy.

Interest Group Blog Entries are typically shorter, timely updates or opinion pieces posted on the organization's website. They might cover recent events, policy changes, or advocacy efforts, reflecting the group's stance on current issues and engaging with a broader audience. (e.g. Planned Parenthood Blog: Provides updates on reproductive health issues, advocacy efforts, and policy changes affecting women's health.)

Interest Group Reports are more comprehensive documents that provide in-depth analysis, research findings, and policy recommendations related to the group's focus area. Reports often include data, case studies, and detailed arguments to support the group's positions and influence policy decisions. (e.g. National Chamber of Commerce Reports: Offers detailed analyses and recommendations on business-related policies, economic trends, and regulatory impacts.)

You can locate Interest Group blog and research reports on their official websites. Vote Smart provides a searchable list of National Special Interest Groups and reports on performance evaluations from all special interest groups who provide them, regardless of issue or bias. Descriptions of organizations are derived from the mission statement or description produced by each organization.