Lesson Three: Advanced Searching Techniques
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What exactly is Google?
Many people think that when they are searching in Google that they are searching the entire Internet, but this isn't exactly true. Begin this lesson by viewing this video about how Google works.
Watch
Activity: Reading your search results in Google
In a separate tab, begin a new search by going to https://www.google.com/ and search for a topic of your choice. Look at the results page. Notice that the format of the search results are presented as the video described. You'll see an ad section at the top and sides of the page. You'll also see non-ad results presented with a title, a url or address, and a brief description. Do you notice images? You may see images, videos, or a combination of images with text in your list of resources.
Google is known for the thousands, hundreds of thousands, or millions of results in produces in a short amount of time (this information is usually located at the top of the page). However, you should know that not every item will be useful to you. This is why you'll want to learn more about advanced search options, which will increase the likelihood of finding something you're looking for.
Looking past the first page
You might find what you're looking for on the first page you view or you might scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the different page numbers below the O's in the word Google. Above you'll see that Google also provides links with searches related to your topic. These key words (words that help you to search) can help you to think more broadly or narrowly about your topic.
Should I type a question into a Google search?
When possible, you should use key words to describe your topic instead of typing a question. This is because questions are commonly asked in forums. If you'd like advice from other people presented in a casual conversation, this can be helpful, but if you're looking for scholarly resources or quality answers to your question rather than opinions, phrases would make more sense.
Activity: Interactive Quiz
In anticipation of learning about advance search features and to build upon your prior knowledge of searching, watch this interactive video. The video itself is a video created by Google to explain why teaching students (and adults) how to search is important.
How to take this quiz: Begin by clicking the link. Listen and watch carefully. When you see a question appear, select the answer you think is appropriate. The quiz will let you know if you're on the right track. Although there is a timed feature and points, don't worry about your score. The point of the quiz is to reinforce your learning and to let you see how much you already know about searching.
Interactive quiz video: Interactive video quiz
Next Steps: Examining Advanced Search Options
Now that you've looked closely at your results and are familiar with typing phrases or key words in a Google search, we'll move on to advanced searching.
To access the advanced search page in Google, click the gear icon (looks like a snowflake) in the top right hand corner of the page. See the picture below for details.
You may also click on this link to access the Google Advanced Search quickly. As usual, opening up this page in another tab will help you to be able to view both this course and the page.
As you look at this page, try to guess which options would limit your results, creating more a more focused number of results. You can right these down or keep track of them in your mind. At the end of your guided practice, you can check your answers.
Activity: Guided Google Searching
Now that you've learned about Google, their search education program, and you've seen the advanced search form, you're ready to try it!
Below is a PDF document you can print to assist you in your searching. For this guided search you'll be using the provided terms to practice advanced searching. After you're finished, you'll be using your own searching terms for your research. Please print the file or open it on your computer and continue.
Searching for information technology:
Find pages with... these blue arrows on your printed page show you three criteria we'll be using.
1. In the first field (or box) type information technology. These are your search terms.
2. For the field 'this exact word or phrase' type Web 2.0. These terms help you ask for more specific results.
3. In the field 'any of these words' type social media. This will provide you with other additional results.
Narrow your results by... (These are limiting features, helping you to select better and more specific results!)
4. In the language field click the down arrow to select English from the drop-down menu.
5. For the last update field, click the down arrow to select past month from the menu. This will give you recent results.
6. Finally, select show basic results.
7. Now click the 'Advanced Search' button at the bottom of the page to see the results!
Now you're ready to move on to the next lesson, using your research question.
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