Can I use subject terms in a database to find theories?

Answered By: Jon Allinder

Last Updated: Mar 03, 2022 Views: 2066

Yes! Browsing subject terms in a database is a great way to explore theories used in a particular area. This is good way to get started when you don't know where to begin searching for theories.

Search tip: You can replicate this search in a different subject database of your choice.
Learn how to identify relevant databases for your topic.

Here is an example of how you can discover theories in the SocINDEX with Full Text database.

On the Library homepage click on Research by Subject.
Click on the Social Work link. This will take you to the Social Work Research guide.
Scroll down to the Social Work Databases box and click on the SocINDEX with Full Text database link. You may need to log in with your myWalden user name and password, if you haven't done so already.
Click on Subject Terms. Find the link above the search boxes.

Tip: In other databases you may see Thesaurus instead of Subject Terms.
In the search box labeled Browsing: Sociology Thesaurus, type in your search term:

Theory
Click on the Browse button.

Tips: The results will be a list of different theories and related terms. You may need to scroll down to see them all. Click on one of the specific Theory links to view the results in the thesaurus for that term.
Check the box next to the subject term you want, or click on the link if there is an option to use a different subject term.
For example, click on:

Feminist Theory
Check the box to the left of the term Feminist Theory.
Check the box to the right under Explode.

Explode will add subject terms related to Feminist Theory.
Click on the Add button to add all the terms to the search box.
Click the Search button.
On the results screen you will see articles that use or discuss Feminist Theory or related terms.