Computer Searches for the Social Sciences

Introduction

The authors would like to suggest computer searches for introductory students in social science classes.

The searches will help students in later courses as well as in the world of work. Before we begin, we must

indicate some caveats. Some students will have complete knowledge of the computer and thus these

searches are redundant. Our anecdotal findings suggest that student knowledge of computers vary

dramatically. Additionally, the changes and the cycles of change on the Internet are explosive. A year on

the Internet must translate into numerous years in the lives of students and faculty. Thus, as this is written,

some searches will have become dated or no longer available. We tried to choose web pages that appear

relatively stable in a very chaotic cyberspace.

Educators may want to use all or portions of this article to help students make searches to maximize the

effectiveness of the Internet. Thus, this part of one's course provides a practical skill for many students.

All web pages are indicated as ". Corn" unless otherwise noted.

Basics

DICTIONARY/ ENCYCLOPEDIA/ TRAVLANG/ SEARCH ENGINES- LYCOS, YAHOO/

METASEARCH ENGINES- GOOGLE, ASK.

The dictionary and encyclopedia help the individual look up the most elementary material. By typing

SEARCH ENGINE in the address domain, numerous search and Meta search engines will be listed.

Academic

POPULATION/ ANNUALRE VIEWS.ORG/ BIOMED/ GALLUP/ BBC/ REUTERS/ AP/ TIME/

USNEWS/ NEWSWEEK/ NEWYORKTIMES/WASHINGTONPOST/CNN/MSNBC/USATODAY

The entire above can provide additional support for academic topics not found in depth on the various Meta

search engines. AP or Associated Press can provide locators to local newspapers. Local news might also be

obtained by typing in the address of the desired city or state.

Subscription Services

INFOTRAK/ LEXIS-NEXIS/ ELECTRONIC LIBRARY/ BUSINESSWEEK.

The proceeding provides excellent services, but require a monthly fee. BUSINESSWEEK requires a

subscription. ELECTRONICLIBRARY provides a good review of manuscripts from television electronic

magazines and documentaries.LEXIS-NEXIS is an excellent review of law and business issues.

INFOTRAK covers numerous academic articles and related.

Popular Culture

BILLBOARD/ROLLINGSTONE/ABC/CBS/NBC/SLATE/SALON/APB/EARTHCAM/FORIEGNTV/NI

ELSENMEDIA/WHOWHERE/GEOCITIES.

Special personalities and media stars may best be approached through Metasearches.

Conclusion

This has been a discussion of computer searches.