Final answer:
AND, OR, and NOT are examples of Boolean operators, which are used in keyword searches to refine results by including, broadening, or excluding specific terms.
Step-by-step explanation:
AND, OR, and NOT are examples of Boolean operators. When searching for information, using these Boolean operators can enhance the effectiveness of the search by refining and focusing the results. The operator AND is used to link concepts and find records containing both terms, OR expands the search to include records containing either term and NOT excludes records containing the term that follows it.
For instance, using a search query like "climate change AND policy" would return results that include both terms, whereas "climate change OR global warming" would return results with either term, which broadens the search. Conversely, a search term like "climate change NOT plastic" will provide results for climate change excluding those that include the word plastic. These Boolean operators serve as the foundation for building precise search queries that save time and improve the efficiency of your research.