Home » Dictionary Articles »

Uses for Sociological Dictionaries

As you might expect, the discipline of sociology has its own unique terminology. For example, researchers often use terms such as labeling theory and illegitimate opportunity structures when explaining how crime and deviant behavior continue to be a problem in modern societies. Having access to sociological dictionaries online will assist you in studying these concepts.

For many people, keeping track of various sociological theories is a difficult task. However, using an online sociological dictionary can make it easier to distinguish Karl Marx's Labor Theory of Value from the Action Theory based on Max Weber's study of Interpretive Sociology.

Referring to sociological dictionaries online can also be useful when you are planning your own research project or trying to determine if the data you wish to use in a report is accurate. For example, you can use a sociological dictionary to find out that self-report studies merely ask a respondent if she/he has engaged in a particular behavior-leaving no room for independent verification of the response.

Finding Sociological Dictionaries Online

Finding sociological dictionaries online doesn't have to be difficult. Sociologists from across the globe have prepared useful online dictionaries that make it easier for students to learn more about common sociology terms. For example:

· The Online Dictionary of the Social Science is a comprehensive online sociological dictionary prepared by researchers from Athabasca University and the International Consortium for the Advancement of Academic Publication. This searchable online dictionary features more than 1,000 definitions, including many terms used in criminology, political science, and women's studies. However, since most examples cited refer to Canadian events and political figures, users from other countries may find certain entries slightly confusing.

· Elwell's Glossary of Sociology is a sociological dictionary prepared by Frank Elwell, a professor at Murray State University in Kentucky. This dictionary can't be searched, but students can easily print the complete listing of terms to use as a reference when preparing for college exams.

· Dictionary of the Social Science is a valuable resource for students, teachers, and researchers interested in the study of sociology. This site features over 900 definitions of sociological theories, research methods, and terminology. To create a convenient study guide, visitors can download an Adobe PDF file or Microsoft Word document containing all of the site's definitions.

· Nelson Sociological Essentials Glossary offers short definitions of common sociological terminology such as basic class location, collective behavior, cultural relativism, homogamy, and looking-glass self.

· While not a complete sociological dictionary, the Dead Sociologist's Index provides a useful reference for students interested in learning more about the theories and contributions of Auguste Comte, Emile Durkheim, and other influential sociologists.

Evaluating an Online Sociological Dictionary

While using sociological dictionaries online is a convenient way to increase your understanding of the field of sociology, it's important to make sure the information you're using is reliable. Ask yourself the following questions when choosing which online sociological dictionary is best suited for your needs:

· Who prepared this dictionary? Obviously, online sociology dictionaries created by college professors or experienced researchers are preferable to those created by high school students with a casual interest in the topic.

· Is the information current? While the meaning of basic sociological terms shouldn't change on a yearly basis, it's a good idea to seek out an online dictionary that is committed to providing up-to-date information.

· Does the dictionary look professional? If a dictionary website is poorly designed and the definition text is filled with grammatical errors, think twice before relying on the accuracy of the information.

If you have doubts about the accuracy of a particular sociological definition, you can refer to The Blackwell Dictionary of Sociology: A User's Guide to Sociological Language by Alan G. Johnson for verification. This book is considered by many to be an essential reference for serious sociology students.

Related Articles