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Researching Controversial Issues: Keywords and Boolean Searching

This guide was created to help Prof. Jalloh's class complete the research for their English 100 class.

In the video below I'll show you how to take your topic or question and generate keywords you can use to search our databases and find the info you need.   The databases don't work the same as Google, but you'll quickly become an expert.

Below the video you'll learn more about how Boolean operators like AND, OR, NOT work.

What is Boolean Searching??

Boolean searching uses AND, OR, or NOT to refine a search.

  • connect your search words together to either narrow or broaden your set of results

  • focus a search, particularly when your topic contains multiple search terms.

  • connect various pieces of information to find exactly what you're looking for

Pirates vs. Ninjas

An introduction to the basics of Boolean operators. Created by Lincoln Memorial University.

Fun Fact!

George Boole (1815–1864) was an English mathematician and philosopher who came up with Boolean Logic. Boolean search connectors are a subset of Boolean Logic.

Using AND

Use AND in a search to:

  • narrow your results
  • tell the database that ALL search terms must be present in the resulting records

 

Example: marijuana AND therapeutic use

Using OR

Use OR in a search to:

  • connect two or more similar concepts (synonyms)
  • broaden your results, telling the database that ANY of your search terms can be present in the resulting records

Example:  marijuana OR cannabis

Using NOT

Use NOT in a search to:

  • exclude words from your search
  • narrow your search, telling the database to ignore concepts that may be implied by your search terms

Example:  drug therapy NOT prescription drugs

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