Combining Search Skills for Better Research

In this lesson, you will learn how to conduct searches and evaluate the results systematically. You'll explore how to begin with a research question, develop a precise search query, review the results, and select the most trustworthy source. These abilities are essential for your school assignments and for navigating information online responsibly.

Objectives of This Lesson

• To follow a structured process from formulating a question to finding a reliable answer.
• To apply techniques for comparing and contrasting different sources.
• To conduct your own search and evaluate it using a provided checklist.
• To reflect on your learning and consider its application in future tasks.

In this section, you will explore a full example of how to conduct an online search and evaluate the results. The research question we’ll use is: “Why is sleep important for teenagers?” You will follow each stage step by step, just like you would when researching independently.

Structured Workflow for Effective Research

The steps below outline a helpful process to guide your research and ensure the information you find is trustworthy. Follow them carefully to build strong digital research habits.

1. Step 1: Craft Your Search Query

   Turn your research question into a focused search query. For example, try: importance of sleep for teenagers site:.gov OR site:.edu. This search uses keywords and limits results to educational or government websites—often reliable sources. You can adjust your keywords to better match what you're looking for.

2. Step 2: Perform the Search

   Use a trusted search engine, like Google, and enter your query. Review the top results. In this example, you might see articles from the HSE, NHS, health.gov, or university health centres. Look at the page titles, short summaries, and website URLs to judge how relevant they are to your question.

3. Step 3: Evaluate the Results

   Use the evaluation checklist to decide how trustworthy each result is:

   • Who is the author? Is it written by a doctor, health expert, or a reputable organisation?
   • Is the information accurate? Does it include facts supported by research or medical evidence?
   • When was it published? Make sure the page is recent—ideally within the past 2–3 years.
   • What is the purpose? Is the goal to inform and educate, or is it trying to sell a product?
   • Is it balanced? Does it avoid exaggeration and present information in a clear, unbiased way?

   Take notes on each result to help you compare and decide which one is best.

4. Step 4: Choose the Best Source

   Once you've evaluated a few options, pick the one that best meets all of the criteria above. For example, a government health page updated this year with expert-backed content would be a strong choice because it’s both trustworthy and directly relevant to your question.

Occasionally, you may encounter several sources that appear reliable during your research. Selecting the most suitable one requires a careful comparison. The following tips provide a structured approach to help you evaluate and choose effectively. By applying these strategies, you can ensure your selected source is the most appropriate for your needs.

Key Tips for Comparison

• Check for Updates:

  Examine the publication date of each source. For topics that evolve rapidly, such as scientific developments or current events, select the most recent information to ensure accuracy and relevance. Older sources may contain outdated facts, so prioritise those published within the last few years.

• Look at Depth:

  Assess the level of detail provided. Opt for sources that offer comprehensive explanations, supported by examples, data, or evidence, rather than brief overviews. A deeper source will provide a more thorough understanding and better support for your research question.

• Cross-Check Facts:

  Verify the information by comparing it across multiple sources. If the key facts align consistently, this increases confidence in their accuracy. Discrepancies may indicate errors or biases, prompting further investigation.

• Consider the Source Type:

  Evaluate the nature of the website or organisation. Official government sites (for example, gov.uk) or educational institutions are generally more authoritative than personal blogs or commercial pages, as they are often produced by experts with rigorous standards.

• Avoid Bias:

  Look for signs of one-sided perspectives, such as exaggerated claims or promotional content. Choose sources that present information in a neutral, balanced manner, drawing on multiple viewpoints to provide a fair representation of the topic.

In this activity, you will apply the skills you have learned by conducting your own online search and evaluating the results.  This exercise will involve formulating a research question, creating a search query, reviewing search results, and selecting the most reliable source based on a structured evaluation.

Activity Guidelines

Follow these steps systematically to ensure a thorough and effective research process. Document your findings in a notebook or digital file for future reference.

1. Select a Research Question: Begin by choosing a clear and specific question. For instance, you might use 'How do volcanoes form?' Alternatively, select a topic related to your school studies, such as a historical event or a scientific concept. Ensure the question is focused to yield relevant results.
2. Develop an Effective Search Query: Transform your question into a precise search query. Incorporate techniques you've already learned, such as using quotation marks for exact phrases or site restrictions. An example query could be: "how volcanoes form" site:.edu. This limits results to educational websites, which are often more reliable.
3. Conduct the Search: Use a reputable search engine, such as Google, to enter your query. Examine the top 3-5 results carefully. Pay attention to the titles, brief descriptions, and URLs to assess initial relevance to your question.
4. Evaluate Each Result: Apply the evaluation checklist to each source:
   • Author Credibility: Identify the author or organisation. Is it an expert, such as a scientist or a trusted institution?
   • Accuracy of Information: Check if the content is supported by evidence, such as studies or data.
   • Publication Date: Verify the date to ensure the information is current, preferably within the last 2-3 years.
   • Purpose of the Source: Determine if the intent is to inform or if it appears promotional.
   • Balance and Objectivity: Assess whether the information is presented fairly without bias or exaggeration.
5. Identify Red Flags and Compare Sources: Note any potential issues, such as outdated content or biased viewpoints. Use the comparison tips from the previous step to contrast the sources, focusing on updates, depth, fact consistency, source type, and neutrality.
6. Select and Justify the Best Source: Choose the most reliable source based on your evaluation. Write a brief explanation of your choice. For example: 'I selected the source from the British Geological Survey website because it was published recently, authored by geological experts, provides detailed and evidence-based information, and presents a balanced view without commercial bias.'

Put your search and evaluation skills to the test. Your task is to research a fun topic: What are the most interesting facts about penguins?

1. Use the steps you've learnt to create an effective search query and find a reliable source.
2. Write down 2-3 key facts you discover from your chosen source.
3. Explain why you trust that source using the evaluation checklist:
• Who is the author?
• Is it accurate?
• When was it published?
• What’s the purpose?
• Is it balanced?
4. Keep your notes short and clear, and be ready to share one fact with the class.