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.
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 Affairs, Political Behavior):
Law Journals (e.g., Harvard Law Review, Yale Law Journal, Stanford Law Review, California Law Review):
Other Field Journals (e.g., JAMA, Journal of Education Policy, American Economic Review, Public Administration Review):
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 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, Governing, Public Opinion Quarterly, Political Science Today)
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.
There are three different types of articles located in a daily newspaper that you should be familiar:
Newspaper News Story
Newspaper Analysis Story
Newspaper Editorial or Opinion Article
Examples of News Articles on the topic of Immigration might include the following:
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.)
Popular Press Books (e.g. Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Bloomsbury, Macmillan, etc.)
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 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.
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:
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.
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:
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.