While different databases might have slight differences in their use of these terms, the goal is always the same: the more thorough your search string, the more relevant your search results will be, which saves you the time of looking through articles you know you don't want.
Boolean Operators |
Terms that connect keywords to make a search more efficient. |
AND |
Results that include both concept A and concept Bex: [strawberry AND banana] |
NOTAND NOT |
Results of concept A except those that include concept Bex: [strawberry NOT banana] Some databases (like Scopus) prefer AND NOT |
OR |
The results of all of concept A and all of concept Bex: [strawberry OR banana] |
Search Modifiers |
Other useful things to use when searching. |
Word stems |
Wildcard: ?
|
Phrase |
"Exact phrase"Also known as "bound phrase". Brings back the term or title within the quotations. ex: "strawberry smoothie" |
Parentheses |
(concept A OR concept B) AND concept CUse parentheses to expand your search string and include more terms. ex: (strawberry OR banana) AND smoothie |
Let's say you're looking for information on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the military and the ethical implications thereof.
("unmanned aerial vehicle*" OR drone*)
(("unmanned aerial vehicle*" OR drone) AND (militar* OR defense))
((("unmanned aerial vehicle*" OR drone) AND (militar* OR defense)) AND ethic*)
Remember: as in math, the placement of parentheses can change the outcome.
Now you have a solid search string that will get you a list of results that are on a narrow enough subject you can look through the titles and see if you're on the right track.