Boolean operators are connecting words that aid in research in the Databases List.
They connect your keyword searches and will either narrow or broaden the search results. By using the Boolean operators you will increase and focus the number of relevant results.
The Boolean operators are AND, OR, NOT
AND narrows your search results. Retrieves articles or records containing all the keywords used in the search query
sleep AND students
In this search the database will retrieve all the records that contain the keyword "sleep" and the keyword "students"
OR, will expand your search results by connecting similar concepts. It retrieves articles or records containing either of the keywords, very useful when searching synonyms.
college OR university
In this search using OR the database will retrieve all records the contain the keywords "college" or "university"
Not, will narrow your search, but will exclude certain terms from your results. So use with caution
"acupuncture therapy" NOT "neck pain"
In this search using NOT the database will retrieve only records that contain the term "acupuncture therapy" eliminating all records that contain the term "neck pain".
Links & Files
Media
