Boolean Logic

 

Using Boolean logic in keyword searches enables you to refine your search by using the words and, or, or not.

For example if you are writing a paper about high school educational programs to combat teenage pregnancy, a Boolean search strategy allows you to search for 'high school' and 'programs' and (ëteenageí or ëadolescentí) ëpregnancyí.

• Using the word or will always broaden a search. (You use or with synonyms).

• Using the word and will always narrow a search. (You would use the word and to combine search concepts).

• Using the word not eliminates words.

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last updated on 3/31/99