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REL 2321: Prophets, Founders, and Saints

Create a Search Query

Step 4: Create a Search String

Once you have your keywords, you need to combine them in a way the database will understand.  You can...

  • put Boolean operators between your search terms (see box below center to decide which to use)
  • use the other search tools (see the box below o see how to use them)
  • Go to Start Your Research to try it out!

One Perfect Source?

Combine Keywords

Research Databases do not work like Google!

You can't just type in your question.

BUT...you can combine keywords into a "question" that the database will understand.  Using AND, OR, NOT between search terms will make your search waaaaay more precise.

  • AND between two keywords will bring back less results    - only those that have both keywords.
  • OR between two keywords will bring back more results   - all those articles that have either keywords.
  • NOT between two keywords will bring back less results    - only those articles with the first keyword, but not the second keyword.

Search Tools

OTHER TOOLS FOR SEARCHING:

  • Use quotation marks to search for phrases - "endangered birds" will bring back results that have that phrase.
  • Use an asterisk to get all words with a single root within results - type creat* and results will include create, creating, creators, creation, creatures, etc.
  • Combine keywords using AND, OR, and NOT rather than typing in your whole question.  (Look left for more info.)