If you conduct a search on the Internet for search engines, you will find many, many options.  However, to make things easier, this discussion focuses on only one of the most popular engines, Google.  Although there are a few differences among search engines, most of the tips discussed here can be used with any search engine.

The Basics
Simply typing a word, term, or phrase into the search box on a search engine performs a broad search for that item.  For example, let’s say we’re interested in conducting a search for information about the textbook, Mass Media Research: An Introduction by Wimmer and Dominick.

A simple or general search for mass media research an introduction produces about 8,450,000 items, and that’s too much for anyone.  (Notice that capital letters are not necessary for a search.  Most punctuation is irrelevant, but to be safe, it’s best to include punctuation in the search topic.)  The problem with a general search is that the engine looks for any use of each of the words—all the words do not have to be used together—and that’s why the engine finds so many references.  However, there is a way around that by searching for an exact use of a word, term, or phrase.

An exact search is accomplished by placing quote marks before and after the word, term, or phrase, such as “mass media research an introduction”.  Conducting this search on Google produces 5,780 items, substantially less than the original 8,450,000.  But there are still a few references that are irrelevant to our search. Adding a few additional words after the final quote marks reduces the number of sources even further (when adding terms in Google, there is no need to use the + sign; it is assumed):

NOTE:  The searches were conducted on January 24, 2009.  To view the most current number of references, click on the search item.

It’s also possible to eliminate words from a search by using a minus (-) sign.  For example, a general search for mass media research produces 28,300,000 mentions.  Narrowing this to an exact search with quotes (“mass media research”) reduces the list to 48,600 items.  However, after a quick glance at the list, several include the word "center” that is not relevant to our search.  We can eliminate these by using the minus (-) sign, and our search entry becomes “mass media research” -center and this reduces the list to 40,600 items.

It’s possible to further reduce the search by including additional items with a minus sign.  For example, adding a few other words to exclude, the search topic “mass media research” -center -college -catalog reduces the list to 36,200 items.  There is no limit to the number of words to exclude from a search, but if too many words have the minus (-) sign, it’s best to start over again and enter something such as, “mass media research” class syllabus, which produces 406 items.

Other Examples
This example demonstrates the number of references found with “mass media research” as the base for the search:
 

Here’s is a search to show the power of using a refined search approach:

Another way to find things is to use http://groups.google.com/ (the old www.deja.com).  This site searches all types of groups—discussion groups, boards, etc.  For example, go to the site and search for sampling error calculator.  You’ll be amazed at what you find.

As mentioned, this discussion uses Google as an example because it is easy to use and includes a variety of options.  If you go to Google, you’ll notice an “Advanced Search” option at the top of the page.  If you click on that, you’ll be taken to another Google site, www.google.com/advanced_search?hl=en.  There you will find that options to search for the exact word, term, or phrase are built into the search process.  For example, there is no need to use (-) or (+).  In addition, there are several other options referring to language, file format, date, occurrences, and more.

Like most things in life, the best way to become efficient with Internet search engines is to practice.  Search for something that interests you and refine your search with quote marks, additional words outside the quotes, or with the minus sign to exclude words.  In addition, the Google site has additional refinements to search specific sites, groups (the old deja.com), images, and more.

Finally, to avoid reinventing the wheel in reference to using search engines, there are thousands of sites that offer help—click here.

Mass Media Research: An Introduction, 8th Edition, Home Page
Wimmer Research, Home Page