Improve Your Search - Prep

Introduction | Prep | Activity

Learn about controlled vocabulary (10 minutes)

Explore the ALL ABOUT: Controlled Vocabulary page to learn:

  • What controlled vocabulary is
  • How vocabularies evolve over time
  • How to tell if the database you are accessing uses one

Knowledge check (2 minutes)

Are the following statements true or false?

  1. For any given topic, a controlled vocabulary offers one unique term.
  2. A vocabulary’s topic terms are always defined by the leading experts in that topic.
  3. Controlled vocabularies are neutral and unbiased.

Answer: All these statements are false. Vocabulary terms often overlap, and your topic may encompass multiple vocabulary terms. The people who create and maintain a vocabulary often consult experts or have general knowledge of the field, but they rarely have expertise in every topic they define. All vocabularies reflect the time and place of their creation, as well the particular values, perspectives, and experiences of the people who define and organize the vocabulary’s terms.

Learn how to refine your search (10 minutes)

Explore the ALL ABOUT: Refining Your Searches page to learn about the different ways you can manipulate your search to better focus your results.

Knowledge check (2 minutes)

Databases use different icons and names for their advanced search. Name an icon or a synonym that could identify an advanced search from a basic search.

Possible answers: A magnifying glass, a question mark, slider bars, options, search builder, expert search.

Introduction | Prep | Activity