How to Search in Databases - SOC 201 - Social Problems: The Pursuit towards Social Justice (Ludwig)

Academic Search Complete and SocINDEX (EBSCO)

Here's an example search in Academic Search Complete (updated version of Academic Search Premier):

Text-only database tips:

Start your database search with keywords from your research question. You can then refine your search as you skim and learn new keywords. Enter your keywords in the search field at the top of the webpage.
Limit to up-to-date articles. As a rule, aim for articles no older than 10 years. Select your desired publication date(s) from the drop-down menu below the search field.
Limit to Academic journals to help focus. You'll still need to examine articles to make sure they're scientific and research-length. Select your desired source type from the drop-down menu below the search field.

Here's an example of using ProQuest.

After you navigate to a database, you will need to use the keywords you created when you were at the Brainstorming tab to search for articles. In the picture below you can see the key words: "solar power" and benefit

"A" tells you how many results the database returned. If you get a BIG number, try adding another key word to help reduce the number of results, or see "D" below
"B" shows you the titles. Browse the titles until you find something that looks interesting and close to your topic.
"C" is an example of what full-text looks like. If you see "Find It" that means full text is not available.
"D" is how you limit to different kinds of sources: Newspapers, magazines and scholarly journals. Start with newspapers, magazines and trade journals for best results.