What are Boolean Operators?
Boolean operators are essential tools used in research for effective information retrieval. The most common operators are AND, OR, and NOT. Using AND narrows search results by requiring all specified keywords to be present, while OR broadens results by including items that contain any of the keywords. The NOT operator excludes specific terms from search outcomes, helping to filter unwanted results. This guide explores these operators through practical examples and Venn diagrams, enhancing your search strategies and outcomes.
What are Boolean Operators?
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Presentation Transcript
What are Boolean Operators? Ms. Reishus Spring 2010
What are Boolean Operators? • The most common Boolean operators are AND, OR, NOT • They are used to combine search terms when doing research
And • Would everybody wearing Jeans, please stand up? # _____ • Would everybody wearing Sneakers please stand up? # _____ • Would everybody wearing jeans and sneakers please stand up? # _____
Venn Diagram of AND Jeans Sneakers
AND Explained • Using the operator AND between keywords will limit the results of a search because all the keywords have to be present in order for an item to be retrieved.
OR • Would everybody wearing jeans please stand up #______ • Would everybody wearing sneakers please stand up #______ • Would everybody wearing jeans OR sneakers please stand up #______
Venn Diagram of OR Jeans Sneakers
OR Explained • Using the OR operator results in either or both of your search terms appearing in your results. • Using the OR operator will result in a larger number of retrieved items and therefore expands the search.
NOT • The NOT operator forbids the word after it from appearing in the items resulting from your search. • Would everybody wearing Jeans but NOT sneakers, please stand up?
Venn Diagram for NOT Jeans Sneakers
NOT Explained • Not helps to limit your search because it takes out a category of undesirable results. • NOT or AND NOT thus narrows or limits a search by excluding the keyword immediately following it.
