Databases: Background Information
Overview
CQ Researcher & Opposing Viewpoints are good places to get background information and different perspectives on a topic.
- CQ Researcher Links to an external site. provides in-depth reports on current social issues. Articles are written by experienced journalists and professionally fact-checked. They include an overview, historical background, chronology, pro/con feature, and resources for additional research.
- Opposing Viewpoints Links to an external site. provides overviews of current social issues. It's a great place to browse for a topic and find a variety of viewpoints and sources surrounding on an issue. See the Viewpoints articles for different perspectives on your topic.
Video Tutorials
CQ Researcher
The following short (1:54) tutorial demonstrates CQ Researcher features.
Additional viewing options: Turn on closed captions with the "CC" button.
Opposing Viewpoints
Watch this short (1:45) tutorial for demonstration of how to browse for topics, search by keyword, explore your results, and use the tools menu in Opposing Viewpoints.
Additional viewing options: Turn on closed captions with the "CC" button.
Now You Try
- Start at the Library homepage Links to an external site.
- Click on Articles and Databases Links to an external site.
- Look for background information & different perspectives on your topic in CQ Researcher or Opposing Viewpoints
- From off-campus, you will be asked to login with your Canvas/Cabrillo login.