Why do I need to know this? Databases combine search terms depending on your use of AND or OR
(technically called Boolean Operators)
AND
- adds terms to a search
- finds results with all your search terms in each article
- makes results more specific
- narrows your search
- just the overlap between the search terms
- gives fewer results
- gives more relevant results
Example: Search typhoid AND "food handlers"
OR
- is useful to search for synonyms
- finds results with any one of your search terms
- not just the overlap
- broadens your search
- results are more general
- gives more results
- results are less exact
Example: Search healthcare OR "health care"
