Lesson 7 Contents:

Learning Objectives

I. A Brief Review of Basic Keyword Searching

II. Boolean Logic: The use of OR and AND

III. Advanced Keyword Searching

IV. Key Points to Remember

Lesson Seven Quiz

Lesson Seven Exercise

IV. KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER

• Keyword searching allows you to use your own “keywords” to describe your topic and search a bibliographic database.
  
  
• Basic keyword searching is typically done using a single word or phrase.
  
  
• Advanced keyword searching allows you to combine search terms and sets using the logical operators OR and AND. The logic behind this method of searching is called Boolean Logic.
  
  
• The OR operator is used to retrieve records that contain any one or more of your search terms. It is used to broaden your search.
  
  
• The AND operator is used to retrieve records that contain all of your search terms. It is also used when combining sets. It is used to narrow your search.
  
  
• A truncation symbol instructs the computer to find all words that begin with the same set of beginning letters. Common truncation symbols are the asterisk (*) and pound sign (#).
  
  
• There are six steps in an advanced keyword search:
  
  Step 1: Clearly articulate your research question.
  
  Step 2: Divide your research question into concepts (i.e. main ideas).
  
  Step 3: List synonyms (or related terms) for each concept.
  
  Step 4: Link your synonyms together with “OR” and use truncation when appropriate.
  
  Step 5: Type your search statements into the database and run the search.
  
  Step 6: Review your results and revise your search if necessary.