Subject and Class Guides: SOCI 101: Introduction to Sociology: Find Websites

Finding Reliable Websites

How do you know what information online is trustworthy? Do what fact checkers do, and use Lateral Reading.

When you come across an unfamiliar online source:

Open a new tab in your browser.

Search the name of the unfamiliar source.

Check what trustworthy sites say about it.

If the source seems untrustworthy, don't waste your time on it. Find a better source.

from Lateral Reading Poster developed by Civic Online Reasoning & Stanford History Education Group

Using Websites

It is important to evaluate all information you encounter, but it is especially important to be critical of the information you find on the web. Does it pass the CRAAP test?

Currency: Is the site up-to-date and edited regularly?

Relevancy: Who is the intended audience for this information and is the information unique?

Authority: Who is the author and what are his or her credentials? Is there contact information? Is it a company, organization, or university?

Accuracy: Where does this information come from? Are there sources listed? Are there typos or spelling or grammar errors?

Purpose: Why was this site created? Is it intending to sell a product? What is the domain name (.edu, .gov, .com, .org)?

CRAAP Test
Download a PDF of this guide to use in your online research

Websites

American Sociological Association
ASA information about membership, recent publications, conferences and meetings, employment and funding opportunities in sociology.
General Social Survey (GSS)
The General Social Survey (GSS) by the National Opinion Research Center's (NORC) monitors social change and the growing complexity of American society via demographic and attitudinal questions (along with topics of special interest).
The SocioWeb
A comprehensive, independent guide to sociology resources on the Internet divided into twelve categories including Internet Indexes and Guides, Commercial Sites, Journals and 'Zines, Sociological Theory, Surveys and Statistics, Topical Research, and University Departments.
World DataBank
DataBank is an analysis and visualization tool that contains collections of time series data on a variety of topics affecting countries around the world. You can create your own queries, generate tables, charts and maps and easily save, embed and share them.

Sociology Statistics

Statistical Abstract of the United States This link opens in a new window
- This link opens in a new window
Social, political, and economic statistics for the United States.

Bureau of Labor Statistics
Unemployment, employment, inflation and prices, pay and benefits, spending and time use, productivity and workplace injury are the topics for which data is gathered and presented through this government entity. Further subtopics are included under these headings.
Montana Census & Economic Information Center
Managed by MT Dept. of Commerce, the Census and Economic Information Center provides current, easily accessible and thorough economic and demographic analysis, maps, data, and expert assistance. Tip: The Learning Center block offers training materials on the site's content and tools.
Montana Department of Corrections Statistics & Reports
Find interactive dashboards for offense & sentencing, recidivism, population demographics, Deaths in custody report, Master planning report, and more.
Montana Department of Health & Human Services Health Data & Statistical Reports
Montana's DPHHS site offers users the ability to browse all kinds of health information specific to Montana, including: birth and death statistics; tobacco use surveys; youth risk behavior surveillance surveys; cardiovascular disease reports; general communicable disease summary reports; and much more.
Pew Research Center: Social & Demographic Trends
"Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. "

Implicit Aptitude Test

Implicit Aptitude Test
From researchers at Harvard, a series of tests that measure thoughts and opinions outside of a person's consciousness to promote awareness of hidden biases and study implicit human cognition.

General State & National Statistics & Data

Explore Census Bureau
The platform for accessing data from the US Census Bureau. Search for data, explore the maps and visualizations, and view data profiles.
U.S. Data & Statistics
Many government agencies have statistical information on a wide range of topics. You may need to do further research to find out which agency has the information you are looking for or can help you
Pew Research Center
Information on the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. The center conducts public opinion polling, demographic studies, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. It does not take positions on policy issues.
State and County QuickFacts: Montana
Find statistics (most from the 2010 national census) for Montana and local areas with populations of 5,000+. View such data about people, business, housing and geography. From the U.S. Census Bureau.

Statistical Abstract of the United States This link opens in a new window
- This link opens in a new window
Social, political, and economic statistics for the United States.