Boolean Logic and Research
Boolean Logic and Research
Boolean logic is a way of expanding or narrowing a search using the connecting words of “and” “or” and “not.” For example, if you type Exxon into a database, you may get 25,000 entries. When you type Exxon and marketing you get only those articles that include both terms, thus reducing the number of hits you receive and focusing your research more carefully. Still, that could be awfully broad. What other words might narrow it further? That’s the point of this next section. For now, stay with this discussion a step further. The word “and” is assumed in most databases so you don’t have to type it in. If you type multiple terms into your Internet search engine, you may notice the translated scrawl on the search term line as it begins. It will often show you the terms with “and” (or the plus mark) included. To use “or” or “not” you may have to go into an advanced search for that database.
Another term that narrows the search is the word “not”. The term “not” excludes articles with the term listed behind it. For example, you might type “marketing not advertising.” The term “or” expands the search. In this case, you would be looking for articles that include one OR the other of these terms. Therefore, you might type “public relations” OR “public affairs.”
Boolean logic is used in most advanced database searches. Use it to enhance your search capabilities. Armed with an appropriate list of terms, find the appropriate databases to use.
