Researching for your literature review: Subject search activity

Subject searching tips:

• Subject headings are assigned based on the topic of the article (rather than the words used in the title or abstract).
• Use the database thesaurus to browse and search for subject headings.
• A database will only search for subject headings in the 'subject field' of database records.
• Subject heading searching increases the relevance of search results, and when combined with keyword searching is a more advanced method suitable for comprehensive searches.
• Subject headings are not available for every topic and it is best to only select them if they relate closely to your research question.
• Looking at the subject headings in a database record may suggest potential search terms relevant for your search strategy.
• Clicking on an article title reveals subject headings that can guide and refine your search strategy.

Activity: Search by subject heading

Subject-specific databases such as Education Collection (Proquest) allow you to do a subject heading search to locate relevant subject headings for your key concepts.

1.  Continuing on from the earlier example, login to Education Collection

2.  Go to Advanced search and click or select Thesaurus.

3.  Select ERIC Thesaurus.

4.  Enter inclusion, and click Find.

The database will suggest a Subject Heading if available. Previous or related subject headings may also be displayed for reference. Click the box or icon next to the subject heading

Click on the box icon  to view its definition, a list of synonyms under "Use term for," and related terms to ensure it matches your search needs.

Select the subject heading by clicking the check box, then click Add to search. This adds the heading to your Advanced Search box.

Click Search to run your search using the selected subject heading.

5.  Search the thesaurus for student perspectives. You won’t find a subject heading for this term, but a search for student lists several options. Try changing the search from "Contains word" to "Begins with" and search for student to get an alphabetical list of terms. Student attitudes seems appropriate—check the definition to confirm.

Click the Student attitudes subject heading to see more information. 

Student attitudes is part of a broader heading, Attitudes, but includes the smaller subheading, Student satisfaction. By ticking the Explode box I am including any subheadings that exist under Narrower terms. If I chose the Major box, this would specify that the subject heading must be a central aspect of any articles retrieved. This may narrow the search too much, so it is often best to leave it unchecked.

6.  Now search for schools. As this search will focus on older school students, search the thesaurus again for high schools, and view the record. The thesaurus shows that High Schools sits under the broader term Secondary Schools, which is more appropriate. Select Secondary schools and Explode to include the Narrower terms and Add to search.

7.  Go to Recent searches  and combine the three searches with an AND. 

8.  Apply any relevant limits, such as English language or specific date parameters. Review the results and refine the search if necessary. You may add more subject headings, or combine the subject heading search with some keywords.