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Research Guides

PO203 Research Methods - Lucas: Search Tips

Using Boolean Operators

Use boolean operators to connect keywords or search words to help you search online databases more effectively and efficiently.

Use AND to connect two unlike words and narrow your search.

Use OR to connect to like words and broaden your search.

Use NOT to exclude a word from your search results.

Using Truncation

Use truncation symbols, usually an asterisk (*), to return results having all forms of a root term. For example:

president* (use for president, presidents, and presidential)

terror* (use for terror, terrors, and terrorism)

wom*n (use for woman or women)

Moving from Research Question to Search Statement

 

Acknowledgement:  Powerpoint presentation from Bill Badke at Trinity Western University