Academic Searching Language

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Revision as of 13:29, 20 August 2010

LexisNexis Academic supports two types of search language.

Terms & Connectors vs. Natural Language

A "Terms & Connectors" search uses Boolean Searching with the traditional AND and OR connectors, as well as special LexisNexis connectors such as PUBLICATION() and w/3, to narrow the results set. A "Natural Language" search requires just as it says, natural language. Type in words, just as you would with an internet search engine.

For more information see the articles on

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-==Natural Language vs. Terms and Connectors==
+LexisNexis Academic supports two types of search language.
-A "Terms and Connectors" search uses [[Boolean Searching | Boolean]]-style terms and connectors, such as PUBLICATION() and w/3, to narrow the results set. A "Natural Language" search requires just as it says, natural language. Type in words, just as you would with an internet search engine.
-==Natural Language==
+==Terms & Connectors vs. Natural Language==
-Natural Language searching is frequently used by inexperienced users or those who aren't doing in-depth research. It is more of a search of convenience than a precise search. While it isn't the best tool for many researchers, natural language searches are very familiar and easy to use. Since most people use natural language when using internet search engines, LexisNexis felt it was important to include this style of searching in Academic.
+A "Terms & Connectors" search uses [[Boolean Searching]] with the traditional AND and OR connectors, as well as special LexisNexis connectors such as PUBLICATION() and w/3, to narrow the results set. A "Natural Language" search requires just as it says, natural language. Type in words, just as you would with an internet search engine.
-You should use a natural language search if you're trying to find more information on a general topic. Think of your natural language results set as background research.
+For more information see the articles on
+*[[Boolean Searching]]
-For example, use a natural language search, or the Easy Search form, to research global warming. Type in "Global Warming" and click search. You can read the first few articles to gain a better knowledge of what global warming is and possibly gain some minor statistical information. You may also click on the clusters on the left side of the results form to spot particular publications that you would like to narrow your research to. You may also begin to spot author names and save them to search again later.
+*[[Natural Language Searching]]
-==Terms and Connectors==
-The Terms and Connectors search is a much, much more precise and efficient search than the Natural Language search. For this reason, it is the default on many of LexisNexis Academic's search forms. [[Boolean Searching|Click here]] to find out more information about Boolean Searching.
-Return to [[Academic]] main page.
 [[Category: LexisNexis Academic]]
 [[Category: FAQ]]
 [[Category: Academic Help]]