How do I know the differences and uses of keyword versus subject searching in a database?

Searching Options: Keyword versus Subject Most databases will give you the option of performing a keyword or a subject or thesaurus search. Here are the differences: Keyword searching: You use the words that appear in your search question. Subject or thesaurus searching: - You search for the database specific subject term or terms that describe your topic. - Then use the subject term(s) to conduct your search.

Basic information on Keyword searching: Searches terms in several fields such as title, subject, or abstract. Use everyday language Can combine several topics in one search Finds only the word or words you searched, not other spellings or synonyms. For example, if you searched teenagers, it will not find records using adolescents or juveniles. Often finds results that are irrelevant. Generally broadens a search. Use Keyword searching when: Searching a new trend or concept or a very distinctive topic Needing a quick search Searching a complex topic, with several key terms Subject term not known, search for keyword and look at assigned subject terms Excluding a concept from your search Subject searching not available in a database

Basic information on Subject searching: Searches only the subject heading field, using one key term or concept. Searches the subject guide or thesaurus for that database to identify appropriate subject heading Then uses subject heading to start a search. Often can combine subject headings in a search. Produces very precise and relevant results Can sometimes be difficult to figure out the subject term Use subject searching when: Searching a broad topic Searching an already established topic Trying to retrieve all items in the database on your topic Looking for information about someone, something, or a place. Want to retrieve very relevant records in your search.

How to develop a subject or thesaurus search statement: Examine the key concepts of this research question: What are the effects of drug use by college students? drug use college students What is the main key concept? drug use *College students are the population group that you are researching.

In the subject or thesaurus search of the database, search or browse for the term/phrase: drug use The subject term/phrase that the database uses may not be exactly what you entered. It may be: drug use or drug abuse

Each database may differ in how subject or thesaurus searches are performed at this point. For example: Build a Search: You may be able to build a search with the subject term to find articles. You can limit your subject search by adding in the other terms. Subdivision List: You may be given a list of subdivisions provided by the database that will give you articles for that term and the subdivisions of that term such as Prevention

Another method of finding what the subject headings or terms are: Do a keyword search in the database for the main concept. Examine the record to find the subject terms listed in the database record. Then, search that subject term in the subject or thesaurus search in the database – or click on the term if it is hyperlinked.