## 3.4 Build a search string

It is not very effective to enter random search terms in any database.
To find specific information on your subject, you will have to combine your search terms into a “search string”.

Building search strings is done by using one or more of the techniques we discussed in chapters 3.1-3.3 and combining them using parentheses.

What are parentheses?

Parentheses are used to build 'nested' queries using round brackets (). This allows you to search with a combination of (Boolean) operators.

Databases are programmed to prioritise Boolean operators, thus establishing a "search precedence". The search precedence influences how your search is performed.

For example: Most databases give AND precedence over OR, meaning terms linked with AND will be searched before those linked with OR, regardless of the order they appear in your search.

In any database, using parentheses will override the search precedence.

Example

(”food retail” OR supermarkets) AND Netherlands NOT hypermarkets.

Tip!

- Type AND/OR/NOT in capitals. Using capitals will increase the readability of your search string.