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 - 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
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
