Lecture 4 - HCMT ( T/F )

Boolean searching is also known as Boolean Logic.

The Boolean operator AND is used to expand a search by returning documents that contain either of the keywords.

Boolean logic is used when searching with only one keyword or phrase.

The Boolean operator NOT is used to retrieve documents that contain a term only if not accompanied by another term.

George Boole's system of logic is called the 'calculus of thought'.

A search for 'rock AND roll' will locate all records containing either the word 'rock' or the word 'roll'.

The Boolean operator OR is used to narrow a search by retrieving only documents that contain every one of the keywords entered.

All databases and web search engines have help pages explaining how Boolean logic works in their specific system.

A search for 'college OR university' will locate all records containing both the word 'college' and the word 'university'.

The more keywords you enter with the Boolean operator AND, the more documents you will retrieve.

Boolean logic is a type of search syntax that helps users conduct better, more exact searches.
It involves using the Boolean operators: AND, OR, and NOT to link words and phrases for more precise queries.
Boolean logic is used when searching using more than one keyword or phrase.

AND: Narrows the search by retrieving only documents that contain every one of the keywords entered.
- Example: truth AND justice
OR: Expands the search by returning documents in which either or both keywords appear.
- Example: college OR university
NOT: Limits the search by excluding certain keywords.
- Example: cloning NOT sheep

Use parentheses to separate keywords when using more than one operator and three or more keywords.
Use "+" and "-" symbols in place of AND and NOT operators.
Use double quotation marks (" ") around two or more words to force them to be searched as a phrase in that exact order.

Different databases and search engines handle Boolean operators differently.
You may have to select "Boolean search" or "Exact phrase" options.
Some databases may only allow full Boolean operators in the advanced search option.

Boolean logic takes its name from British mathematician George Boole (1815-1864).
Boole wrote about a system of logic designed to produce better search results by formulating precise queries.
He called it the "calculus of thought".