Skip to Main Content

SOC 2220 Criminology (Assignment)

Criminal Behavior Theories

The Credo Reference database is a great place to get started on understanding Criminal Behavior Theories.   Simply enter the keywords in the search box and browse theories that may pertain to your selected serial killer.

Searching Tips

Constructing a good search can save you a lot of time and effort.  By creating better searches, you can eliminate many irrelevant hits.  The following search tips and strategies can help you find more relevant information.

Phrase Searching - Putting "quotes" around your search words tells the database that you are looking for that exact phrase.

Example: "ted bundy"

Try Different Wording (synonyms) - Think of different words that describe your topic.

  • Example: "secondhand smoke"     Try: "passive smoking"

Try a Broader Search - Sometimes you might choose keywords that overly specific. Try to think of a broader term that includes your topic.  The more general the search, more results are likely.

  • Example: cigars     Try: tobacco

Look for Limiters - Search tools often present options for limiting by date or range of dates, full-text or specific format, publication type, etc.  Look for advanced search options to find search features that may not be obvious at first.