When you start with a class assignment Google is a great place to start. It helps you to get a general background on a topic. You do have to beware of what you find on Google though. Anyone can put anything on Google. Google should be used as a great starting point, but it should never be your one and only research tool. Afewtips on how to use Google better….Quotation marks: Use quotes to search for an exact word or set of words. This is useful for searching quotes.Dashes: Put a dash before a word that you want to exclude in your search. Cancer -astrologyTilde: Use a tilde before a term to include results with its synonyms. Leukemia ~childhoodSite: Query: Use Site: to search within a specific website EX: site:cdc.govTwo Periods: Use two periods between two numbers to express range of thing slike date, measurements and prices. 1990..2000Related:query: Use related: to find sites that are related to the specified site EX: related:cdc.govSearchTools Allow you to narrow the timeframe for you search and change the reading level of the results. Also keep in mind that Google is tracking your location
What about Google Scholar? When you search Google Scholar you are searching every subject area and the full-text of every article, including the references.
Different databases carry different information.Use basic and advanced searchDon’t forget your limitsCited Reference SearchingConsider your search terms. Keep them simple at first. Think about abbreviations and british spellings.Combine search terms. Search for Book Chapters: Google Books, Summon
Be Flexible: Information is complex which means you have to search more than one place. It’s not enough to just search Google. It’s not enough to just read a wikipedia article. You have to have evidence to support your answers. Be Persistent: You also have to be flexible in your search terms. Don’t give up if you can’t find what you need on your first search. Try different terms. Keep it simple: Start with a few search terms and work your way up to more.
www.myendnoteweb.com
Be Persistent: Try different browsers. If one tool doesn’t work for you, try another. Use Technology to your advantage: take notes electronically so you can organize and search them. Store your PDFs in one location so you can search across them. Save information as you go in one place.
Show an example from pre-assignment of good usage of contrast
