Boolean Operators
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Boolean Operators
Boolean operators are connective words that you can use to contruct a better search strategy. By putting Boolean operators between your keywords and phrases you can create sophisticated searches. The key boolean operators are:
- And
- Or
- Not
A simple example of Boolean operator is: negligent AND conduct
By inserting the Boolean operator between the words negligent and conduct, you have asked the database to find results that contain both words.
A more complex example might look something like this: sentencing AND (teenager OR youth OR adolescent)
In the second example, your results will include the keyword sentencing and one or more of the synonyms. By using the Boolean operators to connect relevant synonyms, you have ensured that you achieve the most relevant results.
Task: Try it Yourself!
Question
Which word - AND or OR - would receive more results if placed between criminal and liability in a search?
See Answer
The search criminal OR liability would receive more results, because AND would look for results where both words appeared together, while OR would search for results where either word appeared.
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