To find subject terms to include in your search open the Subject Terms directory which is located on the top of the opening page of Academic Search Ultimate.
(Figure 1 - Subject Terms directory in Academic Search Ultimate)
Let’s say that you want to begin a search on the topic of aquatic resources. According to the Scope Note, aquatic resources is a term that concerns "water-based resources in general." A Broader term is Natural Resources and a Narrower term is Algae.
(Figure 2 Aquatic Resources Heading)
Search terms related to the topic conservation of aquatic life were filled in below.
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Exploring Search Terms |
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Topic__conservation of aquatic life_________________________________________________ Two possible subject terms to use in finding articles 1. ___aquatic resources______________________ 2. ___aquatic resources conservation_____ What terms are listed in the database’s subject headings or thesaurus? 1. __natural resources __________________ 2. __algae________________________________ Which term widens the scope of the search? ___natural resources ______________________
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Which term narrows the scope of the search?___algae________________________________ |
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Useful search terms __aquatic resources, aquatic resources conservation_________________ |
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Misleading search terms ___ water pollution prevention ________________________________ |
The Subject Terms featured in Academic Search Ultimate use the Subject Terms Hierarchy which is a way to show relationships between one subject term and other related terms. Understanding a Subject Terms Hierarchy will be helpful in other areas of library research.
A Subject Terms Hierarchy is a list of terms presented so that the relationship of terms is visually shown. The broad term is listed on top and terms underneath that term are less broad in definition. Each level is indented. This structure is known as a hierarchy.
Conservation of Natural Resources (Term = broad)
Water Conservation (Term = Second level less broad)
Water Conservation Projects (Term = Third level less broad)
Take a minute. Test of your understanding of hierarchical subject lists of terms. This link will open an interactive test where you can practice comparing subject headings.
Advance to Searches with Subject Terms.