By using Boolean operators, you can build a more precise search in a database and save time by avoiding irrelevant search results.
Identify your keywords. First, identify the keywords or search terms you want to use for your search.
Use Boolean operators. Boolean operators are words used to connect search terms and help you refine your search. The three most common Boolean operators are AND, OR, and NOT.
Use “AND” to combine two or more search terms to narrow your search results. For example, if you are searching for articles about the effects of caffeine on athletic performance, you could use the search term “caffeine AND athletic performance” to find articles that contain both terms.
Use “OR” to search for articles that contain either of two or more search terms, which can broaden your search results. For example, if you are searching for articles about the effects of caffeine or exercise on athletic performance, you could use the search term “caffeine OR exercise AND athletic performance.”
Use “NOT” to exclude certain terms from your search results. For example, if you are searching for articles about the effects of caffeine on athletic performance but want to exclude studies on children, you could use the search term “caffeine AND athletic performance NOT children.”
Use parentheses. You can use parentheses to group search terms and make your search more specific. For example, if you are searching for articles about the effects of caffeine on endurance athletes, you could use the search term “(caffeine OR coffee) AND endurance athletes.”
Experiment with different combinations. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of Boolean operators and keywords to find the best search for your research question.