Search Techniques: Subject 
Boolean 
Wildcard 
Databases 

   

 

Search Techniques: Subject vs. Keyword Searching

Subject Searching Keyword Searching
  • Words assigned by database "indexers"
  • Words used by author/reporter/publication
  • May be searchable in thesaurus or index
  • There is no thesaurus or index
  • Only searches subject field
  • Searches entire record or text
  • Articles retrieved are relevant
  • Articles retrieved may or may not be relevant
  • Might be difficult to find obscure terms (e.g. personal names)
  • Good for finding obscure terms, or terms for which you do not know the exact subject heading
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Want to see how this works in Expanded Academic? SilverPlatter (PsycINFO)? FirstSearch (ERIC)?