Search Better

"Boolean" Searching

A weird library term for combining keywords (search terms)!

Now that you have narrowed your topic down and have developed a research question you need to have more keywords and phrases to use when you search in databases and books. Different authors use different words to describe similar concepts, and you want to find as much as you can. Computers combine synonyms and keywords → to conduct "Boolean" searches. The 3 words used in Boolean searching are the "operators:" AND, OR, and NOT. For example:

Research Question:  

"What factors influence identity in multiracial adolescents?"

• Keywords are the core concepts in the question--they are usually nouns

identity   multiracial   adolescent

• Synonyms :  needed for more keywords--because not all writers use the same words to describe the same thing

identity OR self-concept

multiracial OR biracial OR mixed race

adolescent OR teen OR youth

• More Boolean combinations

               multiracial NOT hispanic

• Put it into a search box (even works with Google searching):

(multiracial OR biracial) AND (identity OR self-concept) AND (adolescent OR teen)

How Boolean Searching Works

Click the image to view the tutorial.

Improving Your Search Strategy

After you have done some background reading and formulated your research question it is time to begin searching in some of our databases for articles.  This tutorial will help you learn how to select keywords and improve your search strategy.

Click the image to view the video.