Searching effectively for the evidence: Boolean operators (part 1)

Module index

Learn how to turn a clinical question into an effective search strategy to find high quality evidence, particularly in databases.

In order to structure an effective search you will need to combine terms together using what are known as Boolean operators.

Have a look at this short cartoon, which explains in more detail how to use the Boolean operators AND and OR to structure your search strategy.

Venn diagrams are often used to explain Boolean operators. Imagine you're looking to buy a new house.

Which diagram would represent the following scenarios?

It would be great if you can afford a place with a garden and a garage, but if you can't then either would be good.
The dog needs somewhere to run around safely outside, but it's important that you have somewhere to put the car too.
You have a car, but you certainly don't have green fingers, so no point spending money on somewhere with a garden.