Sociology (BS 105) - J. Tymony

Once you have gathered enough information on your topic, consider the following tips:

1. Your introductory paragraph should be no more than two paragraphs.
2. Demographics and statistics are important and should be reported in your introduction.

Searching is a process, and it can affect your search terms or research topic as you go. The direction of your search will evolve based on your assignment, your interests, and your results.

Choosing a Topic

Sometimes, the hardest part of doing research is choosing a topic. Fortunately, we have databases available that can help you find a topic and background information, such as Issues & Controversies and Opposing Viewpoints.

Conducting Background Research

Once you have a topic, begin doing background research in databases like Issues & Controversies, Opposing Viewpoints, and Credo Reference to get an understanding of your topic and what questions you may have.

Doing background research on X (your topic) will help you collect demographic information on the following:

• What is your topic, or X? Define your topic based on credible, statistical data.
• Who (race, age, gender, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity) is most affected by X?
• Where (geography, type of neighborhood, and location) in the United States are people most affected by X?
• When are people most affected by X? At what point in their lives are people most affected by X?
• Why are people affected by X? What events or factors trigger X among people?
• How are people affected by X? How does it happen?

Note: You must include demographic information of all groups who are affected by your topic in the following order:

• Race
• Age
• Gender
• Socioeconomic status
• Ethnicity

The data from the above demographics will be introduced from greatest to least percentages in your introductory paragraphs, too. For example, if more men than women are affected by your topic, then you will introduce the statistics for men first, followed by women.

You will compare the information from these groups to determine your focus for the paper. Being as specific as possible-- names, places, genders, etc.-- will also improve your introductory paragraphs.