Research Resources

Todays COP session has introduced me to a number of different resources to use when investigating a subject area. It has also outlined ways to ensure that the information is authentic and the ways to narrow down the search to a more specific area (looking at a websites sources/index and context of a book). I found when trying to find a specific book in the library, it is difficult to locate a specific section on a topic area. To get around this issue it is best to ask one of the librarians and not give up! I will look to use all these methods of research when investigating my chosen question for OUGD401 and to become more confident in using these resources. 

Research Resources:
- Books
- Google Books
- University research websites
- Journals
- Online PDFs

Research Focus:

"To what extent does advertising construct our ideas of gender?" 

Find a theory of gender

The gender scheme theory is something that I learnt in depth for my Psychology A-level. This means that I have a detailed understanding of the theory and the strengths and limitations behind it.  

Sources: 

Book:
Mark Billingham, Kevin Brewer, Sarah Ladbrook, David Messer, Howard Padley, Sue Standring, Regina Teahan (2008) AQA Psychology B A2 Student Book, Nelson Thornes

- Gender Schema Theory, Sandra Bem (1981)
This theory focuses on how an individual in gendered in society. Bem has looked at how children develop from an early age and at which stage they start to show signs of masculinity and femininity. It is argued that some of these behaviours are learnt through social learning theory which suggests that children require roles through observation, reward and punishment. This is just one of the theories involved in the bigger picture of this psychology subject.