Basic Google Scholar Searching
The basic search feature of Google Scholar will be familiar to anyone who has used Google before. In the center of the page there is a search box and underneath you can choose to have the engine search for Articles or Case Law. Most of the time - the article default will be sufficient for your needs. If you are looking for legal information select the case law option.
Filtering Results:
Performing a basic search can leave you with an overwhelming number of results. The best way to help manage this is by filtering out articles that are irrelevant. Here are some ways you can do that:
- Any time: Default filter that shows all results regardless of when they have been published.
- Since year: Allows you to limit results published a specific year.
- Custom range: Allows you to limit results published within a specific date range.
- Sort by relevance: Used in conjunction with the "Any time" filter. Sorts results by how relevant they are. You can use it in conjunction with any other date limiters.
- Sort by date: Allows you to limit results to publications that have been added the last year.
- Review articles: Allows you to limit results to articles that include an overview of current knowledge, identifying relevant theories, methods, and gaps in the existing research.
Expanding Results:
If your topic doesn't pull up as many results as you were hoping for, you can try expanding your result pool by clicking the following links below the title of an article:
- Cited By: Articles in Google Scholar will link to the titles that have cited the specific paper that you have searched for. Good for finding more titles that could be relevant to your search.
- Related Articles: Gives you a list of articles that are similar in theme to the specific article, but they are not connected to each other.
- All Versions: Allows you to search for that specific article in alternative locations. This can help you locate other organizations, publishers, and/ or institutions that focus on topics relevant to your search.
