Combining Search Terms

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You can use words such as "and" and "or" (these are known as Boolean operators) to combine your search terms in a logical way to get the results you want.

Venn diagram of Boolean "or" operator

Use "AND" to narrow your search (usually by combining terms representing different concepts).

Use "OR" to broaden your search (usually by combining synonyms or terms related to the same concept).

EXAMPLE: What are the most effective methods for teaching reading to students with ADHD?

(attention deficit disorders OR attention deficit hyperactivity disorder OR ADHD)
AND
(teaching methods OR classroom techniques)
AND
reading instruction

Parentheses can be used to indicate which terms should be processed together. The first set of terms (related to ADHD) are all combined with OR to retrieve all the records in a database that have any of these terms. The resulting set is then combined using AND with search terms for another concept to retrieve all the records that include both terms (or sets of terms).