A Boolean Operator is a word that communicates search functions. AND, OR, and NOT are the Boolean operators used in searching databases to combine terms and search more efficiently.

AND = Results contain BOTH terms.
OR = Results contain EITHER term.
NOT = Results have the first term(s), but not the term following NOT.

Use the chart below to guide you in developing effective search expressions.

Evaluate your source and information.

• Is the author and/or publisher credible?
• Is the source reliable?
• For a study, is the purpose of the information clearly identified?
• Is the information current?
• Is there bias in the information? Is the author biased?
• Is the work organized?
• Is the work indexed?

Listed below are several topics with sample searches. Explore a variety of search expressions in multiple databases. Click a sample search link below to view the search and results.
Edit the search expression to match your topic.
Set required limits, such as peer reviewed and date restrictions.
Use the Choose Databases link to add or change databases to search.
Sign in to your personal EBSCO folder to save articles and view them later.

• "aerobic exercise" AND child* AND ( benefi* or effect* ) AND "purpose of the study"
  DE "AEROBIC exercises" AND DE "CHILDREN"
• DE "TESTOSTERONE" AND DE "EXERCISE" (in SPORTDiscus)
  (MH "Exercise+") AND (MH "Testosterone+")
  (MH "Exercise+") AND (MH "Testosterone+") Limited to Aged: 80+
• sugar AND adult* AND ( effect or impact or negative ) AND ( anxiety or depression ) AND ( study or percent ) NOT diabetes (in SPORTDiscus, Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Health Source...)
• opens new windowshort term missions and (social or cultural) AND youth - In ASC, ATLA Religion with Full Text youth AND ( (sport or exercise) ) AND outreach programs
• opens new windowbody hydration AND (benefit* or effect*) - In ASC, Health Source Consumer, Health Source Nursing/Academic, SPORTDiscus