Lost in the tech tree

OK, maybe I am missing something obvious, but I am having a major issue figuring out just what all this stuff I am researching DOES. For example, I research Advanced Trade. The ability of +1 Trade Route is self-explanatory, but the Social projects Galactic Stock Exchange & Economic Exchange, as well as the Military project Shopping District are just words on the page. I go to my governor, who lists all these social projects, but he doesn't know what they are either. I can go to an individual planet to find out what the Social projects are, but that seems like micro-management to me, and I still do not know what the Military project is.

Other than downloading one of the strategy guides, is there some way in the game where I can find out more detailed information about these projects?

Thanks for your help!