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Introduction
- This guide provides a brief introduction to the construction of search statements.
- With efficient use of Boolean operators, functions and careful planning of your Search Strategy, you will be able to design effective search statements that yield fruitful results.
Overview - Functions
Function |
Use it to: |
Example |
Searches for |
Parentheses (Nesting) |
Direct search engine to perform operations in parentheses first |
science AND (“elementary” OR “primary”) |
Records on science AND elementary, as well as on science AND primary |
Truncation |
Search for keywords containing a common root word |
stud* |
student studies |
Phrase searching |
Search for phrases |
“peer review” |
peer review as a phrase |
Overview - Boolean Operators
Boolean Operator |
Use it to: |
Example: |
AND |
Search for records with all keywords |
plagiarism AND writing |
NOT |
Exclude records with keyword |
review NOT literature |
OR |
Search for records with 1 or more of keywords |
plagiarism OR academic dishonesty |