Even though these databases may look more like a Google-type search, they still act differently.
Most of the databases you use to find articles use what’s called a Boolean search to find results, whether you’re aware of it or not.
A Boolean search uses “operator” words such as AND, OR, and NOT to connect search terms. Here is a simple way to remember the different between them:
AND means articles have to have ALL the words you list. This makes your result list smaller and more specific.
OR means articles can have ANY Of the words you list. This makes your result list bigger and less specific.
NOT excludes a term. This also makes your result list smaller and maybe more specific.
Most of the time, databases automatically perform Boolean searches for you, so you do not have to think about it. If you are not getting the kind of results you need, though, you might want to try playing around with the terms yourself.
Dyslexia AND treatment AND children
Or:
Dyslexia AND children AND (treatment OR therapy)
