Boolean operators allow you to expand or narrow your search as needed.
Note that Boolean operators are case sensitive; they must be typed in all caps.
Combine search concepts to narrow (“AND”) or broaden (“OR”) results. Use “NOT” to exclude records from retrieval.
Operator
Example
Retrieval
AND
Learning AND Motivation
Both terms (Narrows the search)
OR
Learning OR Motivation
Either or both terms (Broadens the search)
NOT
Learning NOT Motivation
Excludes those with Motivation (Narrows the search)
If you enter the following
The search engine will…
You can change the search by grouping concepts within parentheses.
Note the subtle difference in scope between the search above and this search, where the search engine will…
If you wish to group concepts, but are searching multiple fields, enter concepts on individual rows and select the field from the drop-down menu. For example:
