What is it about?

While sociologists are interested in the actions of government and institutions, they rarely use public records requests as a data collection method. This paper reviews how sociologists can use public records to strengthen their research.

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Why is it important?

I provide examples and strategies that illustrate how public records can enhance sociological research.

Perspectives

I worked as a journalist for two years before deciding to pursue a PhD in sociology. That experience introduced me to the usefulness of public records requests—and how government records can reveal important dynamics about the social world. I hope this paper encourages sociologists to pursue public records in the course of their research.

Pierce Greenberg
Washington State University

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This page is a summary of: Strengthening Sociological Research through Public Records Requests, Social Currents, December 2015, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/2329496515620646.
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