Search Techniques for the Web

1. Search Techniques for the Web

2. Internet Searching • Keywords • The basis of all search techniques • Main topic of search • Additional words to narrow search • But what if you still can’t find it? • Boolean logic • Use “computer-ese” – language for machines!

3. Plan Your Search • Sometimes just keywords are too general • Make a plan for your search • Identify concepts • What are your keywords? • Make a list • Specify logical relationships • Boolean: AND, OR, NOT

4. Choosing Keywords • General keywords will return many results • Words that have different meanings • Example: Watch • Can mean timekeeping device or the verb “to look” • Before searching, compile a list of keywords and alternates to help refine your results.

5. Example of Multiple Meaning Keyword Return from Google on keyword “Watch”

6. Choosing Keywords • Carefully specify keyword(s) • If searching for “watch” as in timekeeping device • “Wristwatch”, or “wrist watch” – space implies “AND” • Use Boolean logic operators to include and exclude unwanted terms.

7. Boolean Searching: AND • Search engines assume “AND” when inputting multiple keywords • The AND operator will narrow your results • Example: Instructional Design = Instructional AND Design • Search returns will contain BOTH those keywords • Search returns will reject pages that have only one or the other keyword

8. Boolean Searching: OR • Use the Boolean operator OR to: • Expand your results in the case of having keywords that are too specific • Example: college OR university • Results will return pages with the terms college, university or both in the same page. • Don’t use OR when you already have too many results

9. Boolean Searching: NOT • Use the Boolean operator NOT to: • Eliminate unwanted results • Example: college NOT university • Results will return pages with the first term only when not accompanied by the other term. • Wristwatch NOT watch will return only pages that contain “wristwatch”. • May narrow search too much

10. Boolean Searching:Combining Operators • Use multiple Boolean operators in combination • Combine multiple operators in search string • Parenthesis determine order of processing • As in Mathematics • Example: wristwatch AND (analog NOT digital) • Results will include only wristwatches that have dials with hands, not digital displays

11. Search Engine Tools • Most search engines have an “advanced” setting that allows more specific searches • In multiple keywords, AND is implied. Search: • All of these words/Must contain the words • OR logic - Search: • Any of the words/At least one of the words/Should contain the words • NOT logic - Search: • Must not contain the words/Should not contain the words

12. Verbatim Keywords • Some search software allows the “+” symbol to specify a verbatim keyword • +wristwatch eliminates returns of “wristwatches” and other variations. • In Google, use “Verbatim” under Show Search Tools on left hand side of results page

13. Google – Show Search Tools • Additional search options for refining Google searches • Narrow by posting date/time • Narrow by specific tools like Verbatim

14. Search Phrases • Use “quotation marks” on a phrase when looking for the exact return. • Example: 18,000 bph watch versus “18,000 bph watch” returns different results. • Using quotation marks will reduce unwanted results • Choose search phrase carefully • Quotes can limit results too much

15. Searching the Web Questions and Answers