EFFECTIVE INTERNET RESEARCH AND INFORMATION LITERACY
STUDY GUIDE
FAST FACTS
· The Internet started in the 1960s to aid communication throughout the military.
· Before you begin your Internet search, it is important to have a research plan.
· Brainstorming and “mind-mapping” are useful for determining keywords.
· Using unique identifiers such as names, titles and dates will yield the best results.
· Search engines are the best places to start for general queries.
· There are specialty search engines that give results for specific categories of research, such as travel or blogs.
· Using the search term “AND” or “NOT” narrows a search, while “OR” broadens the search.
VOCABULARY TERMS
1. World Wide Web: a system that interlinks hypertext documents on the Internet
2. Trade source: a form of published content that combines popular and scholarly techniques on a specialized topic
3. Primary source: unaltered first-person narrative and content
4. Tertiary source: list of compiled secondary sources
5. Database: a collection of related data organized for access on a computer
6. Crawler-based engine: a type of search engine that compiles listings automatically and lists sites that match your search query
7. Directory: a type of search engine in which human editors compile the listings, search results are based on the written description of the sites
8. Boolean Operator: a technique using words such as “AND,” “NOT,” and “OR” to narrow or expand search results
9. Surface web: the portion of the World Wide Web that is indexed by conventional search engines
10. Dynamic content: Web pages with constantly changing content, either by a user or server
WebQuest Planning
For each of these five research interests, describe your initial search strategy. What information are you trying to find, and where would the efficient researcher get started?
**Remember that general search engines (Google) are good for some things, but too general for others. Vary your search starters.
1. My subject is pyramids, but I don’t have a specific question yet…
2. I need information about business law…
3. I’m researching art museums in New York City. Where do I begin?
4. I’m looking for information on the manufacture and export of incense.
5. I’m writing a thesis about social networks and will need many sources.
Internet Scavenger Hunt (WebQuest)
Go on a webquest to find answers to these questions. Keep track of the search engine and key words you used to conduct your search. **Remember that starting general searches with Google makes sense, but more specific searches call for a different starter.
1. What are the exact dimensions of the largest pyramid of Giza?
2. What year was the Regulatory Flexibility Act passed and amended for small business owners?
3. Which art museum in NYC was the home to the Miotte Foundation?
4. The United Nations was established in 1945 to replace what organization?
5. What is the name of the plastic tips on the ends of shoelaces?
6. On June 15, 2011, a total lunar eclipse was visible from every continent except two. Which ones?
7. How many calories per serving are in one cup of sliced raw radishes?
8. What is the name of the government organization set up in North Carolina to regulate electrical contracting within the state?
9. Who was the starting right defensive end rookie player that was on the losing Super Bowl team in 2005?
10. How many feet is the Statue of Liberty’s torch, from tip of the flame to bottom of the torch handle?