Now that we have a thesis statement, we’re ready to plan our search. Where will we look for information?
What we use to look for information is called a search tool. Two common search tools are internet search engines like Google or Safari, and library databases. How are they different?
Search engines connect you to the internet and use algorithms to personalize your search results based on your previous internet activity, monetized content and targeted advertising, and even where you live. Additionally, quality information (like scholarly sources) found on the internet is often behind paywalls and not available without subscribing to or paying for that content.
Using the internet as a search tool does have its uses. You can locate government sources, statistics, popular news media, and general websites. A search engine like Google can also help you find keywords related to your topic. Just be sure to evaluate everything you find! Remember also that a site's domain (.edu, .com, .org) only tells you what kind of website it is and should not be used to determine its credibility.
Databases are searchable, indexed collections of published information organized by subject headings. You control your search results by entering specific keywords (called subject headings) and using limiters. The database brings back results that are precisely what you told it to find. There are no outside factors (like algorithms) influencing your search results.
Databases sources should still be evaluated for credibility and usefulness. If you found a peer-reviewed (scholarly) source but it doesn't help you answer your research question, it's not the best source for you!
Whether you're looking for background information or doing detailed research, it's important to consult a variety of sources and information formats. This helps ensure that your information is: