Boolean logic applied to the construction of search expressions

Abstract

Introduction: searching the web is an activity that does not require much effort considering how easy it is to type search expressions in search boxes of search engines and scientific databases. However, due to the continuous growth in the volume of information on the web, it is necessary to develop skills that help the research assertiveness. The use of Boolean operators are examples of this. The study aimed to describe different ways of operation of Boolean operators in search expressions. Method: the applications were represented in the form of Venn Diagrams and the research examples cover different topics. Results: based on the visualization of the diagrams, demonstrations of the use of Boolean operators were described and associated with elements of classical logic. Conclusion: in the end, it is understood that classical logic underlies the search strategies that reflect on the way Boolean operators are used and through logical reasoning, it is necessary to analyze case-by-case during the formulation of the search strategy to be followed.