LibGuides: Sociology: Web Sites

Evaluating Online Sources

The Internet can provide access to much useful information; however, users should evaluate the quality of each web site consulted. Unlike print sources, there are no quality standards for publication.

As with print publications you should be aware of:

Authorship and affiliations
Author qualifications
Bias and special interest
Publication Information

Boston College's University Libraries has posted a list of questions to ask yourself when you evaluate a web site or web pages.

Statistical Resources

Individual agencies of the Federal government are an excellent source of statistical data. Listed below are just of few of the many sources that are available electronically. Please consult the Sources for Statistics tab on the Government Documents LibGuide for a list of sources arranged by federal agency.

CDC Data and Statistics
Search by topic from the web page. You can get access to many of the CDC resources from this web page.
General Social Survey - GGS
The GSS contains a standard 'core' of demographic, behavioral, and attitudinal questions, plus topics of special interest. Many of the core questions have remained unchanged since 1972 to facilitate time-trend studies as well as replication of earlier findings. The GSS takes the pulse of America, and is a unique and valuable resource. It has tracked the opinions of Americans over the last four decades. (taken from web site).

Historical Statistics of the United States This link opens in a new window
A definitive reference work containing more than 37,000 annual time series of quantitative historical information covering population, work and welfare, economic structure and performance, governance, and international relations, all from the earliest times to the present.

Bureau of Justice Statistics
The BJS collects, analyzes, publishes, and disseminate information on crime, criminal offenders, victims of crime, and the operation of justice systems at all levels of government. These data are critical to federal, state, and local policymakers in combating crime and ensuring that justice is both efficient and evenhanded.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Inflation & prices, employment/unemploymemt, pay & benefits, productivity, spending and time use, workplace injuries, and international and regional resources.
United States Department of Education - Statistics
Access educations facts, school district demographics, data summaries and more.
Statistical Abstract of the United States 1878 - 2012
The Statistical Abstract of the United States spans the years 1878 to 2012. The Abstract has summary tables of the most important United States statistics. The 2012 was the last volume printed by the Bureau of the Census. The newer editions are available in print Statistical Abstract of the United States - ProQuest.

Sociology

Evaluating Online Sources

Suggested Internet Links for Sociology

Statistical Resources