LibGuides: Consumer Behavior MKTG 355 Course Guide: Consumer Behavior Sources

Key Databases for Consumer Research

These databases contain various types of research relative to consumer behavior topics. Business Source Complete is a good place to begin for current information on companies, brands, products, industries, and markets. Consult all of these databases to achieve a better outcome in answering your research question.

Business Source Complete This link opens in a new window
The most comprehensive scholarly business database with a large percentage of full-text material from journals, conference proceedings, investment research, industry, market research, and country reports, SWOT analyses and more. EBSCOHost Tutorial
Factiva This link opens in a new window
To access off campus connect via VPN. Instructions on how to do this can be found here . Please contact us if you experience any difficulties. Factiva Tutorial

Financial data including stock quotes, company comparisons, financial snapshots, SEC filings, interactive charting, and historical market information. Includes full-text Wall Street Journal (1979 - present), New York Times (1980 - present), Washington Post, Newsweek, Business Week, Forbes, and Fortune.
IBIS World This link opens in a new window
Provides access to Industry Market Research Reports, including vital information on every industry in the U.S. Economy. IBIS World tutorial
Mintel This link opens in a new window
A rich source for market research and analysis.
Statista This link opens in a new window
An online portal providing data on the global digital economy, industrial sectors, consumer markets, public opinion, media and macroeconomic trends. Quantitative data from 425 economic sectors in 50 countries are provided with a range of infographic tools for analysis and visualization. Statista Tutorial

Additional Databases

Depending upon the nature of your topic Information from the following databases can help to answer additional questions and round out your research.

Business Abstracts with Full Text This link opens in a new window
Offers a broad assortment of full text articles from business magazines and scholarly journals. A comprehensive source of business information for all levels of researchers, including students, faculty, and practicing professionals. EBSCOHost Tutorial
Mergent Intellect This link opens in a new window
Provides enhanced access to the same information found in D&B’s Hoover’s Online and First Research, plus access to Key Business Rations and Industry Norms. Retrieve public and private U.S and international business data, industry news, facts and figures, executive contact information, and industry profiles. Intellect company profiles incorporate ALL of the data found in Hoovers Online, plus corporate tree information and the ability to download/print company profiles. Intellect’s Advanced Search contains the same search markers as HOL, plus the Geo Mapping area, ability to download up to 20,000 records (2000 is default) and “Save Search” template builder. Also provides access to contact information for over 210 million U.S. consumers using WhitePages Pro data.
Mergent Online This link opens in a new window
A professional-strength research tool that tracks more companies in more countries than any other database. Includes both U.S. and International Company Data and Annual Reports.
SBRnet This link opens in a new window
A comprehensive online platform of nationwide sports business, sports marketing and sports marketing analytics, using syndicated custom and proprietary research for professional and college sports, consumer research, industry reports, and licensed industry articles.

Additional scholarly research on the psychology and sociology of consumers and consumerism may be found in the following databases:

APA PsycINFO This link opens in a new window
Key resource for scholarly journal articles, book chapters, books, and dissertations in the behavioral sciences and mental health. EBSCOHost Tutorial
Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection This link opens in a new window
Includes full-text titles covering topics such as emotional and behavioral characteristics, psychiatry & psychology, mental processes, anthropology, and observational and experimental methods. EBSCOHost Tutorial
Sociological Collection This link opens in a new window
Provides comprehensive coverage in all areas of sociology, including social behavior, human tendencies, interaction, relationships, community development, culture and social structure. EBSCOHost Tutorial
SocINDEX with Full Text This link opens in a new window
Provides comprehensive coverage of sociology and related areas of study. EBSCOHost Tutorial

Electronic Journal Collections

These e-journal collections are an additional source of full-text articles.Simply enter your search terms in the search boxes and review your results.

Electronic Journal Center This link opens in a new window
Multi-disciplinary collection of full text academic journals.
JSTOR: The Scholarly Journal Archive This link opens in a new window
Complete digitized back runs of core scholarly journals. JSTOR Tutorial

Agencies and Organizations

American Community Survey
The American Community Survey (ACS) helps local officials, community leaders, and businesses understand the changes taking place in their communities. It is the premier source for detailed population and housing information about our nation.
American Time Use Survey
Measures the amount of time people spend doing various activities, such as paid work, childcare, volunteering, and socializing.
Consumer Expenditure Survey
Provides data on expenditures, income, and demographic characteristics of consumers in the United States.
Consumer Search
A browsable source of analysis of product trends and developments in a variety of consumer markets.
Current Industrial Reports
In-depth industry reports from the U.S. Census Bureau.
ESRI Tapestry Segmentation
A freely available interactive website for investigating the lifestyle choices of persons residing in specific zip codes or neighborhoods.
Nielsen Insights
Heavily used by the media industry. Provides data on what people listen to and watch, by measuring across all channels and platforms⁠—from podcasts to streaming TV to social media.
Pew Research Center
Source of nonpartisan facts/data obtained through public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis and other data-driven social science research.
U.S. Census Bureau
The leading source of quality data about the nation's people and economy. All data from the U.S. Census Bureau is also available through DataPlanet; most recent data is available through Statista.

Case Studies

Sage Business Cases This link opens in a new window
For Faculty: Here are the .

SAGE Business Cases is a robust digital collection of business cases providing faculty, students and researchers with unlimited access to thousands of authoritative cases from over 100 countries. The collection spans a wide range business and management disciplines from leadership and entrepreneurship, to family business and women in leadership. Most cases include teaching notes and discussion questions to ensure effective classroom use. Sage Business Case Tutorial