Search more efficiently 

Boolean Operators allow us to broaden, narrow, and filter our results for the most efficient searches possible. 

Boolean Operators are bits of code that allow us to speak to databases (a computer program) in its own language. Because they are code, we need to write them in ALL CAPS so the database recognizes them as such. Otherwise, the database will seek them as part of your search terms. The order in which we use them is crucial. Below, article is meant to include articles, journal entries, research studies, podcasts, documents, etc.

AND - returns articles containing search terms to the left and right of AND                   teens AND homework

OR - returns articles containing either of the search terms to the left and right of OR teens OR adolescents

NOT - returns articles containing the search term to the left, but not the right of NOT sports NOT croquet

Boolean Modifiers are symbols used to enhance our Boolean Operator use.

" " [quotation marks] - keep a phrase together (so the database doesn't search those words individually) "high school" or "mental health"

( ) [parentheses] - keep search terms together (teens OR adolescents) AND homework

* [an asterisk] - allows you to search a truncated (shortened) word child* will return child's, children, childhood