What is a controlled vocabulary?
Answer
A controlled vocabulary is a specific set of terms that a database uses to identify information on a topic. Use the database's approved terms to ensure that you are getting the most accurate search results. Databases publish their controlled vocaulary in a thesaurus, sometimes also called subject terms or subject headings. Search for your subject in the database's thesaurus to identify the correct terms to use when searching, and to see related subjects, and broader or narrower terms.