Advice to get results you want, not the results they want.

In today’s technology-driven world, it appears that most people rely on the internet for their source of information. While looking online for data, one of the first sources are massive databases like Wikipedia and social media. While these can provide valuable content, it is not always the best source for reliable articles. With that said, there are ways to search for credible information without sifting through Wikipedia and social media platforms. 

The first step to finding reliable data is to determine the type of search engine used. An ideal search engine will be detailed, accurate, and efficient. Popular search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing all offer different preferences and algorithms, meaning the output of search results can vary depending on the engine used. For example, certain search engines may employ filtering techniques to remove potential spam websites, while another engine may not. Consider the type of information sought and the website’s credibility in making a decision on which search engine to select.

The search query should also be clearly stated with precise keywords. This will help the search engine provide a relevant set of results. Make sure that the keywords selected are accurate, as any mistakes could lead to irrelevant articles. To ensure the most accurate outcome, omit words that are not essential to the query. Then, if applicable, include the type of information searched for. For instance, the search query, “benefits of apple for health” should explicitly display the type of document, “scientific article” that is being searched for.

In order to keep away from Wikipedia and social media, consider changing the search query. Adding words, such as “peer-reviewed” or “credible source” can help to refine the results and restrict the types of websites that are shown. Websites like Google Scholar and Microsoft Academic are great tools for academic search, as they restrict the results to reputable peer-reviewed journals.

It is a good idea to look over the results before making a selection. Scan through the list and evaluate the relevance of the article. Read the authors/publisher of the article and search for reviews to see if the content is reliable or credible. Among other strategies, this can help to guarantee that the article to be used is sourced correctly.

In summary, a productive search to exclude Wikipedia and social media can be undertaken by first selecting an efficient search engine, asserting precise search query statements, adding in relevant words and phrases, and previewing the results for plausibility before making a selection. Though other methods may be implemented, carefully navigating the search process is essential in finding accurate and reliable content.