Boolean Searching An Introduction Developed by C.A.Gavin CSU, Bakersfield, 2006

Boolean Searching 1. Write a clear statement about topic 2. Divide topic statement into concepts 3. Select words to express each concept

1. Write a Clear Statement of Topic Phrase: the media cause eating disorders Question: Are the media to blame for eating disorders? Thesis: The media are not wholly responsible for eating disorders. Topic: Eating Disorders

2. Divide topic into concepts Are the media to blame for eating disorders? media AND eating disorders

1. Write a clear statement about topic 2. Divide topic into concepts 3. Select words to express each concept Boolean Searching

3. Select words to express concept. Are the media to blame for eating disorders? AND media OR television OR advertising eating disorders OR bulima OR anorexia

Boolean Operators AND: to combine concepts OR: to combine synonyms

1. Write a Clear Statement of Topic Phrase: violent TV programs and kids Question: Do kids act violently after watching violent TV programs? Thesis: Many researchers have shown that kids act violently after watching violent TV. Topic: Television

2. Select words to Express Concepts AND kids AND Do kids act violently after watching violent TV? TV violence

3. Select words to Express Concept AND kids Or children Or juveniles TV or television violence or aggression or hostility Do kids act violently after watching violent TV?

Write a Topic Statement What types of treatment are available to teens who have attempted suicide?

Divide Statement into Concepts What types of treatment are available to teens who have attempted suicide? AND treatmentteens suicide

Select words to Express Concept What types of treatment are available to teens who have attempted suicide? AND treatment or therapy or psychotherapy or counseling teens or young adults or adolescents suicide or self-murder or self-destruct

Examples TITLE Principles of therapy: applications to suicide and trauma in schools PERSONAL AUTHOR Leenaars, Antoon A; Wenckstern, Susanne SOURCE Death Studies.v. 22 no4 June '98 p ABSTRACT The writers discuss the basic guiding principles of therapy and its applications to suicide and trauma in schools. They contend that these principles are heuristic and that there is no set formula for dealing with traumatic events such as suicide. They conclude that a great deal of effort is needed by both researchers and clinicians to help avoid past errors in the field. DESCRIPTORS Posttraumatic stress disorder; Counseling with youth; Grief counseling; Adolescent psychology; Suicide ; Death Psychological aspects.

Summary: Boolean Searching 1. Write a clear statement of topic. 2. Divide topic statement into concepts 3. Select words to express each concept.