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Criminal Justice

Search Tips

List keywords, synonyms, alternative spellings or related search terms for your topic.

Example: Instead of Serial Killers try Spree Killers or a specific name, like Ted Bundy

Tips: 

  • Make a list of all the keywords you want to search 
  • Refer back to the list when you have an interruption in your searching time

Keep an Eye Out

Sometimes scholars use terms that you might not be familiar with, or which might mean something very specific within the discipline. While searching, look for unfamiliar terms or words that show up a lot. Try searching for those and see if you find more relevant sources.

Evaluate your results for content. Ask yourself:

  • When was it written? Is the information current?
  • Who wrote it? Are they an expert?
  • Can the information be verified by another source?
  • Is the information biased?
  • What is the purpose of the information?  Is it meant for entertainment or to inform?

It is especially important to evaluate information found on the web, when doing academic research it is best to use credible academic sources!

  • A good rule of thumb is to have AT LEAST one more source than the number of pages you are required to write, but always follow your instructor’s requirements.
  • Search your topics in a library catalog or database.
  • Always check your spelling when searching.

Search Connectors

Connect search terms with AND, OR, or NOT

AND —Narrows a search. Combines 2 or more main ideas. If the research question is “How have humans affected climate change?” Construct the search with AND. Example: Humans AND Climate Change.

OR —Broadens a search. Combines synonymous or related terms. Locates references that include any of the terms entered, but not necessarily all of them. Example : Climate Change OR Global Warming.

NOT —Excludes documents that contain a certain term. Retrieves references that include the first terms but not the second. Example: Climate Change NOT Greenhouse Gases

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