running a search page

[Anon]

ok - so here's what im trying to figure out.
i want to run a search using 4 separate select boxes. but i want to run a search that searches based on how many selections are made, whether it is 1/4 or all 4/4 selections made.
my thoughts are (based on readings - cause ive never done this stuff before) that i should go ahead and write the 4 searches separately, put them into arrays, and then merge the values. problem is - i have no clue how, does anyone have an example of a multi search form or a suggestion on where to look to figure this out - i have a short time to figure it out so any help is much appreciated.

[Anon]

Is this a search against a Database? Give an example of what the query would be.

Big Din K.R.

[Anon]

yes - it is searching a databse for information. This is a funding database system for research grants and such.
an example would be that a grad student would select from their field of research, gender, an agency and places tenable. all select boxes, so i would be using forms - unless of course anyone has a better idea.