Boolean logic is the relationship between keywords found in your research topic. Boolean logic consists of three operators: AND, OR, NOT, also known as Boolean Operators.
Understanding Boolean Operators
We will be using Boolean Operators to narrow, broaden, or exclude keywords from your search results.
Boolean Operator AND is used to narrow your search
Boolean Operator OR is used to broaden your search
Boolean Operator NOT is used to exclude words from your search
Use Boolean Logic For the database to successfully interpret the combination of keywords and subject headings pertaining to the PICO(T)/PICo question or statement, you will need to formulate a complex search strategy using Boolean logic, which basically functions somewhat like algebraic equations using the connectors AND and OR offset with balanced parentheses. “Boolean algebra works in database searches like parentheses do in arithmetic. The connector OR is inserted between synonyms or similar terms grouped in a set surrounded with opening and closing parentheses. It is best to keep the OR capitalized because some databases will not recognize the function if it is lowercase.