PsychINFO Tutorial

Using the Thesaurus

The thesaurus contains a list of subject headings (or "controlled vocabulary") used in the database. Controlled vocabulary refers to specific terms that are chosen to represent particular concepts. Frequently, you will have better searches when you use these terms. A familiar resource that uses controlled vocabulary is the Yellow Pages. In the Yellow Pages, we look up "automobile parts," not "car parts," and we look for "attorneys," not "lawyers."

Here are some examples of keywords (commonly used terms) and the corresponding subject headings that are included in the PsycINFO thesaurus:

KEYWORD	CONTROLLED VOCABULARY
tattoos	cosmetic techniques
adultery	extramarital intercourse
ability tests	aptitude measures
CAT scan	tomography
doctors	physicians

The following image illustrates the thesaurus entry for apnea. Notice that a definition is provided in the Scope Note, and that broader, narrower, and related terms are listed.

When you enter a term that is not a subject heading in the Thesaurus Browse box, you will receive a note telling you what subject heading to use in its place. For instance, when we enter the keyword "tattoos" we receive the following entry:

Tattoos Use: Cosmetic Techniques

The following exercise will help you to become acquainted with the Thesaurus.

Click the image above to try an exercise!

Click on "Performing an Advanced Search" below where we will apply this information and discover additional options that are available.