Checklist: Lesson 2 - Search Mastery
Query Formulation Techniques
Use specific terms rather than vague language
Include distinctive keywords related to your topic
Think about terminology experts would use
Try alternative terms/synonyms when needed
Focus on the most unique aspects of what youâre seeking
Advanced Search Operators
Use quotation marks for exact phrase searches
Apply the site: operator to search specific websites
Use the minus sign to exclude irrelevant terms
Employ OR to find pages with alternative terms
Use filetype: to find specific document types
Apply intitle: to find pages with terms in the title
Use date filters (before:/after:) to limit by timeframe
Search Results Navigation
Check multiple pages of results for important searches
Look for patterns across multiple results
Pay attention to the source before clicking
Read snippet text to evaluate relevance
Check date information to assess timeliness
Identify when results are commercial rather than informational
Specialized Search Features
Use the Images tab for visual information
Check the News tab for current events
Utilize the Videos tab for tutorials and demonstrations
Apply the Maps tab for location-based information
Try the Books tab for literature and academic sources
Using Specialized Search Tools
Access academic search engines for scholarly information
Use public data repositories for statistics and datasets
Try technical forums for specific technical questions
Utilize review sites for product research
Explore specialized databases for your field of interest
Search Privacy Practices
Use private browsing mode for sensitive searches
Try privacy-focused search engines when appropriate
Clear search history periodically
Be aware of how search history shapes future results
Search Problem-Solving
Try different terminology when initial searches fail
Broaden then narrow your search approach
Use âlateral searchingâ to find better terms
Ask in communities for search term suggestions
Use visual search when text searches arenât working