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Table of ContentsIntroduction Outline of Steps to Follow When Conducting Research State - and Lower - Administrative - Level Sources Broader Business / Economic / Demographic Statistics Sources |
IntroductionThis research guide lists important printed and electronic resources that you can use to find socio-economic data about particular areas to use when conducting market research. You can also use these books and Internet sites for other projects as well. Statistics related to health, education, or other subjects might be just as important as simple population figures when you are trying to market a product to a specific target group. So it is important that you think broadly about your group and geographic marketin area, and what kinds of information you need. When you are using the printed resources, be sure to check for its publication date (usually at the bottom of the book's call number, sometimes on the book's cover, or on the reverse side of the title page), as this is an indication as to how old the data is. Also, the data tables within a book may have the compilation or publication date listed as well, which will probably be older than the publication date. Since you want to use the best data, these dates are important, and you would need to think about the probable changes in the current situation since that data was compiled. Detailed descriptions of each website are not provided, as most of them contain a wide variety of data that is organized and presented in a variety of ways, so it is up to you to work your way through these sources. Important points: Know the product/service that you are trying to advertise, and how this product/service has been doing in the market recently. Know the types/aspects/characteristics/traits of people who are most likely to purchase your product/service (age, income level, gender, racial/ethnic identification, education level, occupation). Know which geograpic area you are trying to advertise and operate in, so that you can concentrate your data gathering and analysis for one area (country, region, state, county, metropolitan area, local municipality, legislative district, school district). Remember that statistics can be arranged in these various sources by location and by population aspect (age, income, education). And, since research ALWAYS takes longer and is harder than first estimated (and desired), be sure to allow yourself enough time to work with many different resources, evaluate the information provided, and incorporate it into your project. |
One Possible Outline of Steps to Follow when Conducting Research
One can use these items to identify sources of statistical infornation. Selected appropriate reference books are also included with each section of Internet sites listed below. Some sources may be available online, and you may have to check the titles of other printed sources in the COD Library's Catalog to find out if the Library owns the materials and where they are..
CREDO REFERENCE . Type in your terms in the search box to find articles from many different online reference books.
GALE VIRTUAL REFERENCE LIBRARY . Type in your terms in the search box to find articles from many different online reference books.
Explanation of the Difference between Journals and Magazines .
How to Read a Research Study Article.
Dan Blewett; Reference Librarian
Phone: (630) 942-2279; FAX: 630-858-8757
Office: SRC 3035; E-mail: blewett@cdnet.cod.edu
