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Starting Researching

Faculties: SW

For starting your research on specialized literature, it is best to use subject-specific encyclopedias, handbooks, or introductory textbooks. They provide a good starting point to gain an initial overview of the topic. Cite from such specialized encyclopedias rather than from general sources like common dictionaries or encyclopedias such as Gabler’s Business Encyclopedia, which are written for a broad audience and therefore are usually too general.

Content

How can I research?

Finding suitable literature for your topic depends on the right search in the library catalogs. First, search for authors and keywords you already know in connection with your topic, e.g., from seminars or entries in reference works.

There are different catalogs and research options you should become familiar with.

The library supports you with training sessions, e.g., on literature research.

Finding literature in the university library

The university library is an indispensable part of your research. It offers numerous databases that go beyond the OPAC.

The available databases in the library also help when searching for articles, e.g., journal articles, conference papers, and other documents.

Through the Electronic Journals Library (EZB), you have access to the titles and in some cases the full texts of articles. The faculty also provides numerous print journals – you can find the latest issues on the ground floor of the library.

You can find more information about the library’s services on its website.

If you also search the Bavarian Library Network, you will have access to all academic libraries in Bavaria and can order publications via interlibrary loan.

Further tips

In the Social Sciences, the following databases are also useful:

  • For social science topics: Sowiport, Wiso-Net.
  • For educational topics: German Education Index, FIS-Bildung.
  • For psychological topics: PsyJournals.
  • For legal issues: Beck-online.
  • For English-language or international research: EBSCO (Academic Search Elite), ERIC.
  • For statistics: Statista.
Sometimes online searches provide the first access to a topic. However, a simple Google search does not replace systematic research for suitable academic literature.

Follow the library’s additional tips in the article Effective research: Tips and tools for getting started.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start my research?

To get started, specialized encyclopedias, handbooks, or introductory textbooks are recommended. Make sure they are subject-specific and not written for a general audience. Sometimes online searches provide the first access to a topic. However, a simple Google search does not replace systematic research for suitable academic literature.

How can the library support me?

The library offers training sessions, e.g., on literature research. In addition, through the university library you have access to numerous databases that will help you find academic literature.

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What Do I Have to Prove?

Empirical statements An empirical statement is usually based on (external) empirical research. A source reference is absolutely necessary here. Example: „The suspect rate among 14- to under 18-year-olds decreased from 7.0 % in 2007 to 5.5 % in 2015“ (Police Crime Statistics, 2015). If the empirical statement is based on your own observations or research, …

Faculties: AC, AMP, AR, BI, BW, D, EFI, IN, MB/VS, SOH, SW, VT, WT

Contributors: Manfred Garhammer, Carola Gröhlich, Susanne Heidenreich, Maria Noll, Erika von Rautenfeld, Schreibzentrum, Dzifa Vode

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Citing in Social Sciences

General regulations If you refer to the same source repeatedly, you can abbreviate it from the second short reference onward with “ibid.” (ibidem). This reference always refers to the most recently cited source. Changed page numbers are indicated e.g. as follows: (ibid., p. 44). Academic titles, honorary titles, or professional titles (such as e.g. Prof. …

Faculties: BW, SW

Contributors: Carola Gröhlich, Susanne Heidenreich, Maria Noll, Erika von Rautenfeld, Schreibzentrum, Dzifa Vode, David Püth

This article was published in August 2025 and last updated in March 2025.

Faculties: SW

Contributors: Carola Gröhlich, Susanne Heidenreich, Maria Noll, Erika von Rautenfeld, Schreibzentrum, Dzifa Vode, Deirdre Rieker

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