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HRT103: Introduction to Plant Science

Google Search Tips

Google Search Tips

  • Use "quotation marks" for phrase searching (for example, "poisonous plants")
  • Search a specific domain (for example, poisonous plants site:.gov)
  • Search a specific site (for example, site:USDA.gov poisonous plants and reactions)

 

Remember to avoid using the following websites listed in your assignment instructions. They may not contain authoritative information. 

  • Wikipedia
  • Sfgate.com or homeguides.sfgate.com
  • Gardeningknowhow.com
  • Thespruce.com

 

A Note About Wikipedia

While Wikipedia is not an authoritative source to cite on its own, it can be a good tool to lead you to better, more authoritative sources.

For example, your assignment requires you to select a cultivar. If you need a list of cultivars, search "Coffee bean" and cultivars. There is a Wikipedia page with a list of cultivars so you can choose one and then search library databases for more information on it. The entry's list of references may also lead you to better sources.

 

Evaluating Sources

All sources - even scholarly sources - need to be evaluated carefully. The best source is the one that is authoritative and matches the kind of information you need.

See the Evaluating Sources page to learn how to identify quality, authoritative sources for your plant reports.