TAFTCOLLEGE
Google searching involves entering keywords or phrases into the search engine, which then uses algorithms to scan its vast index of web pages and deliver results ranked by relevance. These algorithms consider numerous factors, including keyword frequency, page quality, user engagement, and backlinks, to determine the order in which search results appear.
However, because these algorithms are designed by humans and rely on data patterns, they can sometimes reflect biases, such as prioritizing certain types of content over others or reinforcing stereotypes.
This bias can affect the diversity and accuracy of the information presented, making it important for users to critically evaluate search results and be aware of potential limitations in the information they find.
For more information on Algorithmic Bias, visit Taft College Library's Fake News Libguide.
Searching the internet is a crucial component of the research process, particularly for you as students who must navigate vast amounts of digital information to find credible and relevant sources for your academic work.
By mastering skills such as understanding the structure and credibility of web pages, utilizing Google Advanced Search to refine and focus your queries, and leveraging tools like Google Scholar and Google Books to access scholarly and authoritative content, you can enhance the quality and efficiency of your research.
These skills not only help you locate trustworthy information but also empower you to critically evaluate sources, a fundamental aspect of information literacy that is essential for your academic success and lifelong learning.
Google operates as a powerful search engine that indexes billions of web pages, making information from across the internet easily accessible. It uses complex algorithms to evaluate and rank web pages based on relevance, authority, and other factors like keywords and user behavior
When you enter a search query, Google scans its vast index to deliver the most relevant results in a fraction of a second. To conduct an effective search on Google, it’s important to use specific keywords that directly relate to your topic. Enclosing phrases in quotation marks (" ") can help find exact matches, while using the minus sign (-) excludes certain words from your search results.
You can also utilize Google's Advanced Search features to refine your search by filtering results by language, region, or domain type, ensuring that you retrieve the most accurate and useful information for your research.
How Search Works by Google
Discover the details of how Search works - from the technology we make to the approach we take.