Information Retrieval – Core Boolean Operators In database searching and web query logic, what are the three primary Boolean operators used to combine terms?

Introduction / Context:
Boolean logic provides a precise language for building search queries. By combining keywords with operators, researchers can broaden, narrow, or exclude results systematically in databases, library catalogs, and many search engines.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We seek the canonical trio of Boolean operators.
• Context is information retrieval and query construction.
• Operators affect inclusion and exclusion of results.

Concept / Approach:
The standard Boolean operators are AND, OR, and NOT. AND returns records containing all specified terms, OR returns records containing any of the terms, and NOT excludes records containing the specified term(s). Parentheses control order of evaluation in complex queries.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Most academic databases (for example, PubMed, IEEE Xplore) document these three operators explicitly in their help pages for advanced search.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• FROM, TO, WHOM: Phrases from messaging, not logic.
• SEARCH, KEYWORD, TEXT: Descriptive words, not logical operators.
• AND, OR, BUT: “BUT” is not a Boolean operator; the exclusion operator is NOT.

Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting to use parentheses, leading to unintended precedence. Also, overusing NOT can remove relevant results if terms overlap.

Final Answer:
AND, OR, NOT