Why Dictionaries?
You want to sure you are using the correct word to express your ideas. If you are not sure, you should check the definition in a dictionary.
- Oxford English Dictionary This link opens in a new window
This link opens in a new window
Includes the complete text of the Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed. plus quarterly updates of new and revised entries. Trace the origin and history of words and their meanings in this etymological dictionary.
- Merriam Webster OnlineA commercial site that has both a dictionary and thesaurus.
Why Encyclopedias?
Encyclopedias (either general or subject) are a good place to start if you need an overview of a topic you are unfamiliar with. They will often include a bibliography of sources that you can consult for more information.
- Gale E-Books (formerly Gale Virtual Reference Library) This link opens in a new window
- This link opens in a new window
Search for "social media" as a phrase for articles that give an overview of the topic.
- International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences
- This link opens in a new window
Search for "digital media" to find encyclopedia articles that contain the phrase.
- Oxford Reference This link opens in a new window
- This link opens in a new window
Oxford University Press searchable versions of the latest edition of published dictionaries and encyclopedias. Try searching in the ADVANCED SEARCH for "social media".
Research Methods
- SAGE Research Methods This link opens in a new window
- This link opens in a new window
Books, reference works, and instructional videos about qualitative and quantitative methodologies in the sciences and social sciences. Includes Research Tools (online tools for planning research and choosing methods), Cases (examples of real research), Video (research process, data science, and methods) and Datasets (sample data chosen specifically to support practice with various statistical analysis methods).