For the second part of the IR series of explorations, you’ll conduct a natural language search using Google Scholar’s ADVANCED search mode. To access the advanced search option, click on the three line icon in the upper left corner of the Google Scholar search page. Click on Advanced search. As with the Google assignment in Module 1, you are asked to clearly document the steps you took in such a way that anyone can reproduce your search. Use the term ‘fuzzy retrieval’.
Note: Using natural language means using key terms, NOT typing in an entire sentence. The search engine (usually) will ignore terms like ‘a,’ ‘an,’ and ‘the,’ so entering a query like ‘Where can I find information on X?’ isn’t best practice. It’s about using unique terms that you believe with generate on-target results. But don’t take my word for it – take time to experiment (a.k.a. play!) I like to think of words likely to be found in the title or abstract of an article, if that’s what I’m seeking, for example. A search for migrant health Texas in the title field of articles found 16 more pertinent articles; the same search for these terms without specifying the field found 87,700 items with varying levels of pertinence to my need.
About the writing:
Rather than using screenshots, use text to explain. I hate to use a lot of ‘don’t’ statements, but please DON’T structure your report using bullet points. This should be done in an essay format, using subheadings to identify what you’re discussing. I’m very interested in your opinions about the utility of the resources you’re exploring during the semester, but you should consider the writing as a more technically-focused work.
What I mean by this: Support your opinions with evidence, and tell your reader what you have seen, as well as your thoughts about the resource. Go through the directions provided below, making notes on methods, results, and observations. Then go back and write a clear, succinct report that would allow your readers to reproduce what you’ve done. Avoid rambling, and use complete sentences. I do not give expected word or page counts, because we’re all different, but I do look at how clearly and succinctly you have explained processes and outcomes. Here’s an example of the kind of writing I expect:
For my first search I typed “motherboard” into the search bar, then pressed search to the right of the Search Bar. Once the page loaded, I was confronted with centered ads for motherboards. To the left is relevant processor brand categories for more specific results. On my next try I typed in “AMD Motherboards” and was directed to a page with pictures, summaries and price of various kinds of AMD Motherboards.
Here’s what I don’t want:
enter MOTHERBOARD
review results of various kinds
Instructions:
Explain how to get to the advanced search page
Test the capabilities of Google Scholar: Consult the Markey reading, especially Table 12.3 found on pages 225-226, to describe the capabilities of this search engine to perform features described (e.g., Boolean AND, OR, and NOT; word order, truncation, etc.).
Next, conduct a search in Advanced Google Scholar for the same term used in the last module. Describe search options and how you conducted your search.
What are the options for your search? Try specifying that your term or phrase must show up in the TITLE of the page; experiment with date restrictions, and with other filtering options, describing both your process and the result.
Describe what your search retrieved (volume, type of resources: e.g., definitions, commercial sites (ads), scholarly content, news items).
Based on your results, what can you say about the ranking algorithm?
Find a good general research article that defines and describes the topic.
Evaluate its age and authority.
How many times has your chosen article been cited by others?
Create a citation by finding the CITATION link, and copy it into your document. Specify APA format.
Finally, compare and contrast your Google Scholar results with those you got from the Google search in the last module. How does it differ in
How it works (advanced search options)?
The kind of information retrieved (format, intended audience)?
Filtering capabilities?
Be sure to put your name, the course, and assignment name at the top of your document – see the ASSIGNMENT section of the course menu for information on formatting documents.
Double spaced 12 pt writing is required.
Grading will be based on how well you have addressed each of the elements described above: following directions and presenting your work in a well-written manner.