• Yes; there are multiple names for the same thing. For the sake of simplicity...we'll call them 'subject terms'.
• Databases use subject terms to 'file' their content. So to speak.
• If you aren't getting the type of results you want, try using that database's subject terms as search words. 
• Most databases have a link to a list of these terms near the top of the webpage.
• Some databases offer you a subject terms search where you can compare your search topic words to the database subject terms.
  • Sometimes there isn't always an exact, matching subject term.
• Some databases also list an item's subject terms:
  • near each search result
  • near the search result's abstract

In the example below, the database uses the subject term peer teaching to organize articles on that topic rather than peer tutoring.

· Using subject searching is different than keyword searching.

· Subject searching is less flexible than keyword searching, as it works off a pre-existing list of subject headings created by the database.

· You can focus your topic by using subject headings, or use a subject heading as a keyword in a keyword search if it is relevant.

Examples of subject headings listed under an article citation in the Infotrac database:

Subject Terms – view other documents related to these subjects

Advertising (12279)

 -  Surveys (155)

Sex Roles (5127)

 -  Surveys (44)

Women (24957)

Women’s Media (18)

 -  Portrayals (2353)