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    1. Returning to our example, if you want to find more sources about dogs and evolution, using OR allows you to add related terms like “canine” to your search. Here is an example of a Boolean search you can try:

      I knew that these AND and OR search terms were options but I never thought about combining them before. This seems like it could be very useful if I were doing research and needed to filter out certain results but keep multiple keywords in the search. I had found searching with AND and OR is very helpful when I'm looking for a broad variety of information on specific topics.

    1. It’s helpful when you want to find a specific term or phrase, for example “solar energy.” By putting quotations around the phrase, that ensures the database will search for those words together, in the order you specify, rather than sprinkled anywhere in the resource.

      This is something new to me that I didn't know before! There have been situations where I am trying to search something very specific where I need the words to be in order like someone's name or a specific product but when searching I would get nowhere because I couldn't figure out how to make the search order the first and second words how I was typing them out.

    1. Even if you use the same search engine and keywords, the search history on the computer you use also affects the list of results you retrieve. For example, someone using a public computer at NKU in Highland Heights might see topic suggestions like Norse basketball tickets, Steely Library hours, NKU parking permit, Newport on the Levee events, or Cincinnati Zoo student discounts. These search patterns reflect regional interests and activities, which can influence the content and advertisements shown to them online. Try experimenting with different search engines to find the one you prefer.

      I have noticed this in my person experience. When I search for products on my work computer it gives me advertisements and suggestions for pet-centered products and websites. I work in a veterinarian office so that makes sense from our previous searches. When I search on my personal computer I usually get results from sites that I have visited before like Reddit and YouTube. I also notice that some of the suggested results are for products that I have personally searched or looked at before. Even if I am searching for something specific I have noticed how the results can seem catered to me in some ways which is interesting. It can be beneficial since its personalized to me but also harmful since I may not be getting results that I am actually searching for and that could be helpful.