Reference and Instruction Librarian
Getting Started with a Paper
How do I find a good topic? What keywords should I use to search for my topic? How do I create a thesis statement from that topic?
Check out the links and videos on this page to find answers to these research questions.
- Top Research Topics in CJCheck out this list from NCJRS for some topic ideas.
Top Videos about Brainstorming Keywords
- Brainstorming Keywords (Portland State)This tutorial can really jumpstart your research.
- Brainstorming a Research Topic Using GoogleLearn how to think of a topic using everyone's favorite search engine, and then research your topic in library databases.
Thesis Statement Checklist
- Is your thesis statement one sentence?
- Is it clear what your position is on the topic?
- Does it appear early on in the paper?
- Does it summarize everything in your paper?
- Is it based on evidence (sources)?
Brainstorming Tips
- Always read over the research assignment and consult the instructor when deciding upon a topic.
- Consider what type of CJ career you would like and find a topic related to that.
- Think about interesting CJ stories you have seen in the news lately.
- Bounce topic ideas off fellow CJ students.
Power Tip: The National Criminal Justice Reference Service has a Thesaurus Term Search that can help you find the best keywords to search with for a CJ topic. Once you find the right CJ jargon, you're ready to start typing those keywords into library databases!