WEB SEARCHING TIPS & TRICKS

Tip 1:Limit your search

Use the right keywords to get more precise search results

Trick 1: Word order matters

Trick 2: Use quote marks

Trick 3: Use site search

Tip 2: Use your content wisely

Wikipedia may look good, but it’s real value is hidden

Trick 1: Make sure the articles offer references and cited sources

Trick 2: Use those references and external links to lead you to new information sources.

Tip 3: Administer the C.R.A.P. Test

•Currency

•Reliability

•Authority

•Purpose

Currency

• Internet reference is most valued for providing the kind of currency that print format can’t possibly supply

• check the last updated or last modified dates

Reliability (or accuracy)

• Check the about us page• Check the URL domain:

• .edu or .ac for academia & universities• .gov for government• .mil for military• .org for non-profit • .net for network or private internet service

provider

Authority

•Who is the author?•Is this person an expert in the field?

• Does this person have any professional affiliations or reviews? •Does this person exhibit a grasp of the subject?

Purpose

• Is the page a mask for advertising?• if so, is the information biased? • What are the website’s ultimate goals and objectives? • How detailed is the information? • What opinions are expressed?