Hi all,
I agree with both Terry and Klaus, let me just add 2 cents worth about what
I think are the advantages of Googles powerful Algebraic and logical
operators, - not everyone realizes they are there.
For me, Google's most powerful features by far are the logical operators
and the wild card features.
Google is set up to follow logical instructions (AND, OR, etc) and to
accept instructions to include or overlook stopwords (I, a, the, of etc) by
using or not using the + sign. Also, if one is searching a phrase with an
"or' requirement, you can substitute the pipe symbol ( | ) (the shift
backslash above enter key).
I haven't tried the other logical operators (NAND, NOR, IFF) but they
might be in there too, I've just never needed that degree of complexity.
Some folks see it as a weakness of Google that it will not do a "Stem"
search, that is take a beginning phrase and add branches to it. However
Google will do even better, Gooogle takes a ten word search (max) but
will fill in a word or words when instructed to do so by using the asterisk
(*).
This feature gives it the sorting power for you to get a smaller better
targeted selection of findings early on, then cherry pick. I have also
used the * symbol as a sort of reverse inference engine, that is starting
with a skeleton of a phrase you will accept for the output, then using *
and letting Google supply the optional fill in words, very effective.
There are many more hidden features, however, my best recommendation is to
buy the simple manual, I'm sure the latest version has even more hidden
features. .
.
Google pocket guide, by Calishain, Dornfest, Adams, published by O'Reilly.
Cheers,
My 2 cents,
Syd H
> [Original Message]
> From: Terence Love <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: 10/17/2009 12:06:10 PM
> Subject: How to Google a topic or problem
>
> Alison raised the issue of Googling for data.
>
> There is a fair bit of skill and process to doing Google searches
> effectively . The following works pretty well and typically gets hundreds
> more references than postgrad students initial searches.
>
> 1. Go to Google preferences and set to 100 items per page.
> 2. Install a mouse with a scroller wheel so you can scroll through
batches
> of 100 search items in 10 seconds or less.
> 3. Write down a list of search terms and combinations of search terms.
Thsi
> is the initial search strategy. Make sure it is recorded somewhere.
> 4. Do all the searches, scan through at least 500 items per search.
> 5. As you are doing these searches note the sucess or otherwise of your
> search terms and identify better search terms. Write them down.
> 6. Remake your search terms list on the basis of 3, 4 and 5. This is your
> refiend search strategy
> 7. Redo your searches carefully using this refined search strategy.
> 8. Record the best items of your search findings (the subject of a
> different howto).
>
> It is easy and fast to do. Typically it takes 5 minutes or so to complete
> the first six items. The technique works on all search situaitons and is
the
> basis for a full formal systematic review.
>
> If anyone has improvements to the process, please let me know.
>
> Best wishes,
> Terry
>
> ===
> Love Services Pty Ltd
> www.love.com.au
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