Subject Heading Searches

Step 1: Separate your topics into different facets

**NOTE: Search one term at a time: enter the term into the search box and click Search.

For example, if your topic is:

Individual psychology and depression 

Search for "individual psychology" and then for "depression".

Make sure Map Term to Subject Heading is selected to search by subject and not keyword

Step 2: Find Subject Headings

This next page is super helpful! It maps your term to a subject heading so you can find all the terms on a topic, not just a specific word.

Sometimes, you might choose to select the term as keyword by selecting the last option, that is not hyperlinked, and then click “Continue”. You will then return to the starting search page.

Or, you might just check the boxes next to any and all relevant Subject Headings and click “Continue” to add them to your search.  You will then return to the starting search page. This will not allow you to see the thesaurus, however.

Step 3: Find Related Subject Headings

The Thesaurus displays related terms that are more general and more specific to the selected Subject Heading. In the Thesaurus you can click the box next to any terms you would like to add to your search and then click “Continue”. You will then return to the starting search page.

Step 4: Repeat Steps 1-3 with All Additional Terms

Step 5: Combine Searches

Searches within OVID do not automatically combine. To do so, select the search terms you would like to combine by selecting the box next to it in the Search History area at the top of page. Then combine with AND or OR. Results of the combined search will automatically display under the Search area.

For a review of how to effectively use AND/OR, visit the help guide below: