Resources
Guides, tools, and recommendations for students and early-career researchers
For Aspiring Researchers
📚 Essential Reading
Foundational texts in health sociology and aging research:
- • Fundamental Causes of Disease by Link & Phelan
- • The Social Determinants of Health by Marmot & Wilkinson
- • Aging and the Life Course by Settersten & Angel
- • The Spirit Level by Wilkinson & Pickett
🔬 Research Methods
Practical guides for conducting sociology research:
- • Mixed methods research design fundamentals
- • Longitudinal data analysis techniques
- • Qualitative interview best practices
- • Statistical analysis with SPSS, Stata, and R
Data Sources
Health & Retirement Study (HRS)
Longitudinal panel study of aging in America - essential for health disparities research.
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
CDC's health-related telephone survey data for public health research.
WHO Global Health Observatory
International health statistics and data for comparative research.
Career Development
Advice for Graduate Students
📝 Publishing Tips
Start early, collaborate strategically, and don't fear rejection. Every "revise and resubmit" is an opportunity to strengthen your work.
🎯 Finding Your Research Focus
Follow your curiosity, read broadly, and identify gaps in the literature. Your research should reflect both intellectual passion and practical contribution.
🤝 Building Networks
Attend conferences, engage on academic social media, and reach out to scholars whose work inspires you. Collaboration multiplies impact.
⏱️ Time Management
Set realistic daily goals, protect writing time, and remember that progress beats perfection. Consistent effort compounds.
Funding Opportunities
Key funding sources for sociology and public health research:
- • National Institute on Aging (NIA) - Aging and health research grants
- • Robert Wood Johnson Foundation - Health equity and social determinants
- • ASA Minority Fellowship Program - Support for underrepresented scholars
- • SSSP Social Action Research Grants - Applied social problems research
Need More Guidance?
Schedule a consultation to discuss your research interests, career path, or methodological questions.
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