First, let’s start with the basics of searching for information. This article will cover Resources to begin your search, Tools to narrow your search, and Sources to evaluate. It’s not easy to find the exact information you need. However, this article will guide you along the way. Keep reading to find out how to start evaluating sources and narrow your search! Also, don’t forget to bookmark this article! You can return to it whenever you need to review and update the information.
Basics of searching for information
When searching for information online, there are several things you must keep in mind. First, you must know which source to use. Different sources have different rules on how to use search engines. Secondly, the type of information you’re looking for will determine how to search. For example, a dictionary will not have a topic entry titled “poetry.” Lastly, you need to consider whether the information is credible.
Typically, you’ll be shown a list of websites that match your search terms. These are called search results and you can click on them to visit them or to return to the results page. You can perform web searches directly from your browser’s address bar. If it is not, you can select a search bar next to the address bar. In either case, simply enter the search terms you’re looking for into the address bar and press enter.
Resources to start your search
Managing information overload is a problem that many online researchers face, so planning your search is an important first step. Before beginning your search, you should have an idea of what type of information you’re looking for, and what questions you’re trying to answer. To help narrow down your search, define your search question and break down your topic into key concepts and themes. Then, you can build a vocabulary of words and phrases that are relevant to your search topic.
Once you’ve established the topic, you can focus on locating reliable information. Library Search, subject guides, and eBooks provide easy access to a variety of quality resources. Some of these sources also contain specialized indexes, such as Sociological Abstracts or Applied Science and Technology Index. However, if you’re looking for information about a particular historical event, a campus library may have an excellent collection of historical documents.
Sources to evaluate
There are many criteria for evaluating information. These include authority, credibility, timeliness, accuracy, objectivity, and bias. For example, it is important to note whether a source aims to entertain, persuade, or sell. A short video clip from Western University offers a great example of evaluating information. The purpose of the video clip is to inform and entertain. However, the purpose is not the only consideration.
It is important to determine the purpose of the source and whether the information it contains is reliable for the topic or purpose. For example, if the information is intended for professionals in a particular field, it is crucial to determine its relevance for the audience. In addition, it should address key issues and topics. The author or creator of the article/report is likely to be an authority. He or she may also have skills and knowledge that can help the reader judge the validity of the information presented.
Starting your search
Start your search for information sources outside of Google. Companies spend only 0.2-2% of their revenue on data sources, despite the fact that 75% of employees think they should spend more on this. Google only indexes 5% of the web, the rest is known as the “surface web,” which includes all content accessible to indexing bots. This means that you’ll be wasting time and contributing to global warming if you start your search for information sources from Google.