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Google Scholar for Research: General Search Tips

How to use Google Scholar effectively for research

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Stephanie Maatta
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Basics of Google Searching

  • Every word counts in a Google search. All the words you include in a search query will be used.
  • Searches are NOT case sensitive. The Wall Street Journal is the same as the wall street journal.
  • Punctuation is ignored, including special characters.

Constructing a Better Search

  • Use the KISS principle -- keep it simple, searcher.

If you're looking for a particular company, place, concept, or product, start with just the name. Add zip code or name of town or other identifier if you need to narrow your results.

Use as few terms as possible. The search engine will use every term in your query statement. Too many words may limit the search too narrowly, eliminating potentially useful results. If you don't find exactly what you need, the results may provide additional word suggestions to refine your results with a new search.

  • Think about how and for whom the page you're looking for will be written.

Use the phrases most likely to appear on the page. For example, a scientific journal will likely use scientific terminology. A professional publication will use the jargon and acronyms of that profession.

  • Choose descriptive words.

Unique words and phrases are more likely to retrieve relevant results.