Summaries of Current Research and Literature Related to Social Studies

This summary was written by Susan Gibson and Roberta McKay for Alberta Education. Details are based on Social Studies for the 21st Century: A Review of Current Research and Literature by R. McKay and S. Gibson (Lewiston, NY: The Edward Mellen Press, 2004).

The review undertaken was a broad synthesis of relevant research and literature in key areas identified, not an exhaustive and complete search in any specific area. The summarized material included here has been categorized under the major headings in the front matter section of the Alberta Social Studies Program of Studies. While the research findings have been placed under one heading, due to the interconnectedness of the topics, findings are often applicable under more than one heading. The findings from the research literature, except where noted otherwise, are applicable for K through 12 students.