LibGuides: Template: CJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice: Strategize: Develop Key Words for Research

Identify Your Search Words

Make a list of search words.

To begin to search successfully you must use a variety of words that relate to your topic

Think of the different words and phrases that people might use when they discuss your topic. Start with what you know.
Consider broader and narrower words, and synonyms or related ideas.
Consider point of view. In other words, think about how to approach your topic with words that reflect different perspectives. For example:
- formerly incarcerated people vs. former offenders
- juvenile delinquents vs youth or teenagers
As you search, write down additional key words that you come across in your background research and in the scholarly journals databases.
You can ask a librarian for help in finding words that are used in your field of research.

Discover Keywords in Reference

You can just search for information on a topic using a broad keyword phrase, such as "juvenile justice".

Alternatively, if you know a little about your topic before you search, it will help you focus in on specific aspects of the topic that interest you most.

I like to to start with introductory overviews from GVRL or CQ Researcher.

Practice: Skim one of the following articles on juvenile justice to build a basic understanding of:

The juvenile justice system and its history
Who the stakeholders are. Who participates in it? Who does it impact?
Settings in which juvenile justice is used
What some of the issues are
Key language and concepts

Juvenile Justice
From the encyclopedia "Criminal Justice"
Juvenile Justice
From "Crime and Punishment in America"
Juvenile Justice
From "Encyclopedia of Children and Childhood"
Juvenile Justice
From "Social Issues in America"

Example:

Who:

Offender, Criminals, Victims, Community, Students, Teens, Juvenile Offenders, Women, Men, Department of Justice, Court System, Police, Courts, Administration, Social Workers, Parents

Where/Situation:

Juvenile Prison, Cities, Juvenile Courts, Schools, Education, High School, Workplace, Faith Community, Church, Indigenous Cultures

What:

Crime, Stop and Frisk, Racial Profiling, Rehabilitation, Reintegration, Reparations, Behavior, Mental Health, Child Welfare, Social Justice, Sentences, Recidivism

Holman Library

Template: CJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice