In indexing systems like ERIC, what term describes the standardized topics used to describe items?

• A. Controlled terms
• B. Assigned descriptors
• C. Keyword tags
• D. Free-text descriptors

Answer: (B)

In ERIC and similar indexing systems, topics are described using descriptors, which come from a controlled vocabulary. These descriptors are applied to each item by indexers, so they’re “assigned descriptors.” This labeling keeps topics consistent across items, enabling reliable retrieval even when different authors use different wording. The other options describe either the idea of a controlled vocabulary in general or user-generated terms, which wouldn’t provide the standardized, consistently applied indexing that descriptors from the controlled list do.