Interpersonal Communication

Google is so easy to use you don’t have to be an expert to get great search results, but here are some top tips that will help get rid of the stuff you don’t want:

1. Quotes
Use quotes around any set of words sought as a phrase (these words in this order). This is especially useful when searching for proper names so you don’t get results where the two words are on the page but unrelated. Compare Gerald Ford to "Gerald Ford".

2. Exclude
- can be used to exclude terms. Compare Matisse to Matisse –network.

3. Synonyms & OR
Use synonyms--try to think of several different ways that your search term or concept could be stated. Combine the terms with or. Or must be in caps or it is ignored. Compare multicultural to multicultural OR cultural diversity.

4. Spelling Counts
Double check your spelling--if you have misspelled a word your results will probably not be good.

5. Search the Page
Can't find your search term on one of your hit pages? One Web page is actually a file, which may be one physical page, 20 physical pages or more. Try CTRL F on your to search the page for your term. Many mobile devices can also search a page but are specific to the operating system.

6. Google Specialized Searches
Use the specialized searches. Most of them are right there above the search box and they can really save you time: Images, Video, News, Maps, and more. Selecting any of these will narrow down your search to just images, videos, etc. For more specialized searches and other features, go to More Google Products.

7. Google Search Tools
Search Tools appear on your results page after you've searched. With them you can narrow down your search to maps, videos, books, social and much more. It's a great time saver.

8. Google Site Search
Did you know that with Google Advanced search you can restrict your search to just one specific site? This kind of search comes in handy when you are pretty sure the information exists on a site, but you can’t find it. To use it, enter your search tem(s) and site:sitedomain. Compare "mla style" to "mla style" site:libguides.com.edu.

9. Google Advanced Search
Site search is just one of the features of Google Advanced. With Advanced you can limit results by language, region, domain, and much more. The options available can really make a difference.

As a college student you know that your job is to evaluate the sources you use for your papers, presentations and research. But how do you do it?

These steps are most appropriate for sources available from the library, but they can be tweaked for web and news sources. Get tips for spotting fake sites, fake news and media bias. 

1. Credentials
What does the author know about the subject?
2. Objectivity
Does the author have an agenda?
3. Documentation
Where did the author get the information?
4. Timeliness
When was the material written?
5. Review and Editing
Has the material been reviewed for publication?