Subject headings, descriptors, and thesauri terms are examples of "controlled vocabularies." They are lists of pre-defined, carefully selected words and phrases used to classify and organize information, and vary with discipline and database. Controlled vocabulary describes the general content of an information unit, such as a book, an article, or an essay.

Use controlled vocabulary, or subjects, to explore related, broader, and narrow topic. Including controlled vocabulary in a search yields subject-specific, targeted results, and can help narrow search results. Combining keywords and subjects keywords when searching provides more focused results.

CINAHL and MEDLINE: Advanced Search and EBP [9 slides]- An interactive tutorial highlighting CINAHL and MEDLINE advanced search options, EBP, and subject headings/MeSH for nursing research.

1. Click on CINAHL Subject Headings in the top blue bar.
2. Key in your term.
3. Select a search option--Term Begins With, Term Contains, or Relevancy Ranked. Click Browse.
4. From the list of term results:
   - Check the box in front of the term to view a list of subheadings or
   - Click the linked term for the "tree structure" view
   

1. Click MeSH 2024 in the top menu bar.
2. Key in your  term.
3. Select a search option--Term Begins With, Term Contains, or Relevancy Ranked.  Click Browse.
4. Then, from the list of term results:
   - Check the box in front of the term to view a list of subheadings or
   - Click the linked term for the "tree structure" view
   

opens new windowUsing CINAHL/MeSH Headings

opens new windowHow Do I search MeSH in MEDLINE?

opens new windowAdvanced Medical searching in MEDLINE