Before you even start searching, spend time thinking about how you want to search. This includes not only the terms you'll use, but also how you'll combine them into effective search phrases, and also the best place/database to search. Taking time at the beginning of the research process to craft good searches will save you time and frustration in the long term.
Why you want to use Boolean operators:
Boolean Operators Defined: AND, OR, NOT
Boolean operators are logical connectors between your keywords. The connector words are: AND, OR, NOT
AND: when used between two of your search terms, this operator tells the database that you want both words to appear in your search results. When you use AND, it narrows your results. Also, AND is usually the default operator when you search without putting any boolean operator between your search terms.
Example: head start AND academic achievement = both terms appear in your search results
OR: is used to group related terms when you want either one of the terms to appear in your results, but not necessarily both. When you use the OR operator, your search will be broader and will return more results. This is a useful operator to use when you have two similar words, and either word could bring up useful search results.
Example: head start OR pre-k = either term appears
The OR operator can be combined with the AND operator, when you want to broaden your search, but want to make sure you have at least one search term always appear in the results. Make sure to group related terms using parentheses.
Example: (head start OR pre-k) AND academic achievement
NOT: when used between two search terms it means you don't want the second word to appear in your search. When you use NOT it narrows your results.
Example: pre-k NOT head start = results with no reference to head start.
