To find subject headings for your topic:
- Look to see if the database has an online thesaurus to browse for subjects that match your topic (check the Help screens).
- Some databases publish thesauri in print (e.g. Thesaurus of Psychological Index Terms for the PsycInfo database). Ask Us for help using thesauri.
Another way to find subject headings:
- Start with a keyword search, using words/phrases that describe your topic.
- Browse the results; choose 2 or 3 that are relevant.
- Look at the Subject or Descriptor field and note the terms used (write them down).
- Redo your search using those terms.
- Your results will be more precise than your initial keyword search.
