Test Your Knowledge About Database Source For Research! Trivia Quiz

1. AND

Means "both"

Means "either"

Broadens the topic (increases the number of search results)

The Boolean operator AND means "both," as in, articles should contain both keywords. It narrows the topic by requiring articles to meet two separate criteria at the same time.

Explanation

The Boolean operator AND means "both," as in, articles should contain both keywords. It narrows the topic by requiring articles to meet two separate criteria at the same time.

2. When you are keyword searching, you should

Avoid technical jargon, slang and abbreviations

Think up lots of synonyms and related words for a concept and use all of them

Pick one word for a concept and use just that one

When you are developing a list of keywords for a concept, you should come up with synonyms and related words - including any jargon, slang, and abbreviations you think might be used in the information sources you are searching.

Explanation

When you are developing a list of keywords for a concept, you should come up with synonyms and related words - including any jargon, slang, and abbreviations you think might be used in the information sources you are searching.

3. To get scholarly research sources that the Online Library doesn't have...

I should buy them from an online bookstore like Amazon.com

I should go to my local public library.

I should ask my instructor to borrow the books and articles that they recommend.

You can buy used or go through a commercial doc delivery service but since it costs money, it should be a last resort. Public libraries are great for pleasure reading, everyday fact-finding, and kids' homework, but they don't have scholarly materials. D is just silly, although it's been known to happen - just don't take advantage!

Explanation

You can buy used or go through a commercial doc delivery service but since it costs money, it should be a last resort. Public libraries are great for pleasure reading, everyday fact-finding, and kids' homework, but they don't have scholarly materials. D is just silly, although it's been known to happen - just don't take advantage!

4. I'm searching a library database for information on methods of transportation. I want to find out about ground and air transportation, but I'm not interested in water transportation. What is the best search query?

Trains AND planes AND automobiles AND boats

(trains OR planes OR automobiles) NOT boats

(trains OR planes OR automobiles) AND boats

(trains AND planes AND automobiles) NOT boats

(trains OR planes OR automobiles) will pull up articles that mention any or all of those keywords. NOT boats then exclude any articles that mention boats.

Explanation

(trains OR planes OR automobiles) will pull up articles that mention any or all of those keywords. NOT boats then exclude any articles that mention boats.

5. When do you use parentheses ( ) in searching?

For keywords and concepts that are optional

Around phrases of two or more words

To surround keywords joined by OR

To get different endings like animal(s) or educate(d)

For phrases, use quotation marks. For different endings, use the asterisk (star symbol.) There is no way to specify that a keyword or concept is optional. Use parentheses around different keywords for the same concept joined by OR. There's no reason for it except the database gets confused if you don't.

Explanation

For phrases, use quotation marks. For different endings, use the asterisk (star symbol.) There is no way to specify that a keyword or concept is optional. Use parentheses around different keywords for the same concept joined by OR. There's no reason for it except the database gets confused if you don't.