Controlled Vocabulary
A controlled vocabulary is a standardized set of words or phrases used in search tools such as databases to aid in document retrieval. They are referred to as "subject headings," "subjects," or "descriptors."
The full index record for an article or other item will list the controlled vocabulary assigned to it.
Not every database has a controlled vocabulary but psychology databases typically do as they are largely dictated by APA. Use the Thesaurus option in PsycINFO or other databases to find appropriate subject headings. Here is an example search for talent in the Thesaurus within PsycINFO:
There are advantages and disadvantages to using controlled vocabulary in searching.
Keyword searching is good for retrieving items with new terms, jargon or slang, but you will end up with irrelevant results as well.
Controlled vocabulary retrieves all the items indexed under a particular topic, but sometimes it might miss some newer terms or be too limiting.
A good search strategy is to combine keywords and controlled vocabulary.