Creating a search in a database:
Before you begin searching, decide on the keywords that you want to use as search terms.
For example, if you’re interested in studying the use of games in college courses, your keywords could be “games” and “college”.
Think of synonyms (or words that mean the same thing) for your keywords.
For example, synonyms for “college” include “higher education” and “university”. Synonyms for games could include “game-based learning”.
Using synonyms will give you more robust search results.
Some databases will auto-suggest search terms that you can use!
Use Boolean operators in your search.
These are short words in capitalized letters that give the database instructions on how you want to search. “AND” and “OR” are the most commonly used.
“AND” tells the database that you want to find articles that include all of the search terms.
“OR” tells the database to find an article with any search terms.
Examples:
games OR game-based learning
Games AND college
The Advanced Search Builder in Ebsco databases includes Boolean Operators.