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Criminology and Justice: Reference Materials

Reference Materials

Reference Materials

Reference materials are those resources that we refer to for a definition or simple coverage of a topic.

In criminology, there are many reference materials - including dictionaries, encyclopedias, commentaries, etc - that are available in both print and electronic formats. 

Reference materials can be a good place to start your readings or research as they often provide definitions or overviews that can help lead you to more detailed resources. These overviews can briefly introduce a topic and give you an understanding of the broad themes or main points in a particular area. You can also discover keywords including synonyms and related terms that you can use when searching for journal articles. 

This is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals in the U.S. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5) is the product of more than 10 years of effort by hundreds of international experts in all aspects of mental health. Their dedication and hard work have yielded an authoritative volume that defines and classifies mental disorders in order to improve diagnoses, treatment, and research.

Commentaries are a secondary source of information that will assist you to interpret the law and gain an understanding of the subject area.