Western Oregon University has a variety of databases covering multiple subjects and disciplines.
To find a Database for your topic area:
from: http://libguides.acadiau.ca/sociology
[Peer review] requires an article to be subjected to a process of critical evaluation by one or more experts on the subject, known as referees, responsible for determining if the subject of the article falls within the scope of the publication and for evaluating originality, quality of research, clarity of presentation, etc. Changes may be suggested to the author(s) before an article is finally accepted for publication…Some bibliographic databases allow search results to be limited to peer-reviewed journals. Synonymous with juried and refereed.
From ODLIS: Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science.
As you search in databases, you can discover the Subject Terms (also named "Descriptors" or "Subject Headings") that are applied to articles on your topic. This controlled vocabulary can be a powerful way of finding everything the database has on a topic without having to sort through a lot of irrelevant material.
However, as you can see from the examples, each database can have its own preferred terminology for the same concept. So, when you switch databases, make sure to check its thesaurus for the terms that will help you be successful.
Want to be able to add WOU's proxy to a link with just one click?
Make sure your bookmarks or favorites toolbar is showing, then drag this link to your browsers toolbar: WOU Off Campus Access
It will create "bookmarklet" you can click on to enable off campus access to WOU's subscribed resources from any page, including many that otherwise want you to pay for access.