March 8th, 2014

Boolean Search Practice

 

Tips:

• Do NOT use databases to run trial and error
• Do NOT worry about knowing anything about the topic: think of it as a logic puzzle and turn it into a search string.
• DO NOT over-complicate the search statement. Try to stick to two main concepts... Keep it simple!
• DO: Focus on the words in the statement.
• DO: Think about how to turn the phrase into a search statement that is logical to a database.

Topics to Practice:

·         Choose THREE questions

·         Write a Boolean search statement for each one in your Research Journal/Blog.

 

·         Does television advertising by the pharmaceutical industry have an impact on prescription drug abuse?

(Television Advertising OR media) AND prescription drug abuse

 

·         Has anti-smoking advertising by the tobacco industry lead to decreased smoking among youth?

Anti-smoking AND decrease AND youth

 

·         How much more can a college graduate expect to earn over someone with a high school diploma?

College graduate AND earning AND high school diploma

 

·         Debate the pros and cons of fish farming.

 

 

·         Should the federal government impose stronger standards for vehicle emissions?

(Federal government OR stronger standards) AND vehicle emissions

 

·         How much of current scientific breakthroughs were influenced by science fiction?

 

 

·         What stand does the American Medical Association take on natural medicine?

American medical association AND natural medicine

 

·         Is a vegetarian diet healthier than a meat-based diet?

(Vegetarian diet OR protein diet) AND health

 

·         Are big box stores like WalMart and Target good for the economy?

 

 

·         Should educators use commercial services to combat plagiarism?

 

 

·         Has the U.S. trade and globalization policy hurt the middle class?

 

 

·         What is the health impact of hand blowers over paper towels?

 

 

·         How does recess in the primary grades effect classroom behavior?

 

 

·         Does marijuana use increase the risk of lung disease from toxic chemicals?

Marijuana AND (Health risk OR toxic chemicals)