Guide to Internet Searching
The Google Guide to Better Search Results
Googling can be tricky. It's easy to mash our keywords into the browser and expect to find the right answer, but that doesn't mean it's productive. When we use search techniques, we actually save ourselves time sifting through stuff we won't use. Here are a few strategies and examples for more efficient searching.
Know Your Boolean Operators
Combine searches: Race OR marathon
I want to know about long distance races. Long distance racing has another word: Marathon. If I want results which have each word, but might not have BOTH words, I can search "race OR marathon" to get articles one article that talks about races, and another article talking about running marathons ("Refine web searches", 2020).
Separate searches: "Cloning" AND "humans" articles.
Using AND works well if you want to search for a format, and 2 topics. Otherwise, it's easier for Google to search the words separately, and mix together results. If I want articles on humans being cloned, or cloning humans, typing in, "Cloning" AND "humans" articles, will give me articles about cloning humans ("Database search tips: Boolean operators", n.d.).
Exclude words from your search: Jaguar speed NOT car
Just say I want to know about the speed of a Jaguar...the animal, not the car. Putting a "-" (a dash) in front of a word will remove that word from my searches. So, I'll only find out about the animal--not the car ("Refine web searches", 2020).
Evaluate Websites Using PAARC
How can I know if the information I'm reading is true?
When we use the internet to search, we should ALWAYS know if what we're reading is true. PAARC can help. It stands for...
Purpose. Is the author selling or persuading us into believing or thinking something?"
Authority. Is the author a professional or expert on the subject? Is the author who they say they are?
Accuracy. Is the information correct?
Relevance. Is the article important to our needs?
Purpose. Is the author selling or persuading us into believing or thinking something?"
Use the P.A.A.R.C. Test Checklist.
If you're having trouble answering these questions, it could very well be an untrustworthy source. You can always double check with your school librarian: denaro.e@deerparkschools.org
