Practical procedure for internet searching
Paul GI Apis
Practical, step-by-step procedure for finding the genuine, authentic, precise, proven and reliable information
You will find the desired genuine, authentic, precise, proven and reliable information on the internet using the available tools:
- AI
- search engines
- own experience / knowledge / expertise - if you don't have, get some!
- humans, specialists and / or experts in the specific field or industry - to consult
- bibliography
Step 1: Define the Goal Clearly
• Write down exactly what you want to know.
• Example: “What are the environmental impacts of lithium mining?”
• Identify key concepts, terms, and synonyms to broaden your search.
Step 2: Do the primary research with AI Tools
AI is as a brilliant student in an exam: should it doesn't know the answer, it makes it up! So, don't mess with it without knowing a minimum about the topic!
• Use AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Bing AI, Bard) to:
• Summarize complex topics.
• Get a broader context or quick explanations.
• Generate a list of relevant keywords or subtopics for deeper research.
• Always validate AI outputs by cross-checking against reliable sources.
Step 3: Refine with Search Engines
• Use search engines like Google, DuckDuckGo, or Bing for initial exploration:
• Use advanced search techniques:
• Quotation marks for exact phrases: "environmental impacts of lithium mining".
• Site-specific search: site:.edu, site:.gov, or site:.org to access trusted sources.
• Use filetype:pdf for research papers or official reports.
• Check the top results for relevancy, but don’t stop there. Dig into the second or third page for additional perspectives.
Step 4: Analyze the Source
• Evaluate the credibility of a source:
• Author credentials: Is the author a recognized expert? Are their qualifications stated?
• Publisher: Is the site reputable (e.g., a university, government institution, or major publication)?
• Date: Is the information up-to-date and relevant to your query?
• Bias: Is there a clear agenda, or is the source neutral and fact-driven?
Step 5: Consult Experts
• Use your network or platforms like LinkedIn, Quora, or professional associations to contact specialists in the field:
• Ask targeted, specific questions.
• Validate their credentials and expertise.
• Compare their insights with what you found online to identify consistencies or discrepancies.
Step 6: Leverage Your Own Expertise
• Use your knowledge and experience to:
• Spot inconsistencies or suspicious claims.
• Formulate more nuanced questions.
• Integrate what you know with the new information to develop a well-rounded understanding.
Step 7: Dive Into Bibliographies
• Use bibliographies from academic papers, books, or trusted sources to trace:
• Original research or foundational studies.
• Peer-reviewed journals, scientific reports, or books by established publishers.
Step 8: Verify Claims
• Use fact-checking tools and websites (e.g., FactCheck.org, PolitiFact, Snopes) to:
• Confirm controversial or surprising claims.
• Ensure cited statistics or facts are accurate.
Step 9: Organize and Compare
• Summarize findings from multiple sources:
• Look for overlapping conclusions across independent sources.
• Pay attention to differences and investigate why they exist.
Step 10: Engage in Critical Thinking
• Assess whether the information:
• Makes logical sense.
• Has credible evidence backing it up.
• Is consistent with other proven facts.
Additional Tips
• Use specialized tools for specific searches:
• Google Scholar for academic research.
• PubMed for medical or life sciences topics.
• Statista or World Bank Databases for data and statistics.
• Library catalogs for books and archives.
• Stay skeptical of trending or sensational content unless it comes from highly credible sources.
Example Workflow
1. Search Engine: Search for "lithium mining environmental impact site:.edu".
2. AI: Use ChatGPT to summarize: “What are the main environmental concerns with lithium mining?”
3. Validate: Check references cited by AI using journal articles or government reports.
4. Expert Consultation: Reach out to geologists or environmental scientists via LinkedIn for confirmation.
5. Synthesize: Compare findings, critically analyze discrepancies, and develop a comprehensive answer.
By following this procedure, you create a robust and reliable framework for finding authentic and proven information while minimizing the influence of bias, errors, or misinformation.
In-Depth Analysis of “Analyze the Source”
Evaluating the credibility and reliability of a source is critical to ensuring the accuracy and authenticity of the information you gather. Here’s a deep dive into how to analyze a source effectively:
1. Author Credentials
Why it matters:
• The expertise and qualifications of the author determine their ability to present accurate and well-informed content.
How to evaluate:
• Identify the author: Look for the name of the author or organization responsible for the content.
• Check credentials:
• Are they recognized experts in the field?
• Do they have relevant qualifications, degrees, or certifications?
• Research their background:
• Use tools like LinkedIn, Google Scholar, or institutional profiles to confirm their expertise.
• Bias check:
• Consider whether the author might have a vested interest in promoting certain ideas (e.g., working for a specific industry).
Red Flags:
• Anonymous authorship or vague titles like “staff writer.”
• Lack of published works or professional presence online.
2. Publisher Reputation
Why it matters:
• The credibility of the platform or organization hosting the content often reflects the reliability of the information.
How to evaluate:
• Type of publication:
• Academic journals (e.g., Nature, The Lancet) and government websites (e.g., .gov) are usually reliable.
• Blogs, forums, or unknown websites may require further scrutiny.
• History of credibility:
• Check if the publisher has been associated with misinformation or controversies.
• Editorial process:
• Does the publication follow a peer-review or fact-checking process?
Red Flags:
• Clickbait titles or sensational claims without evidence.
• Websites with poor design, excessive ads, or lack of transparency about their funding.
3. Date and Timeliness
Why it matters:
• Information becomes outdated as research evolves and circumstances change.
How to evaluate:
• Check the publication date:
• Is the content recent enough to be relevant to your query?
• Context-specific updates:
• In fields like science, technology, or health, newer research often supersedes older findings.
Red Flags:
• Lack of a clear publication date.
• Reliance on outdated statistics or studies.
4. Content Quality
Why it matters:
• High-quality content is accurate, well-researched, and free of bias.
How to evaluate:
• Depth of information:
• Does the content provide detailed analysis or merely skim the surface?
• Use of evidence:
• Are claims supported by data, citations, or credible sources?
• Language and tone:
• Is the writing clear, professional, and free of emotional manipulation or sensationalism?
Red Flags:
• Lack of references or reliance on vague statements like “studies show.”
• Grammatical errors or poor formatting.
5. Bias and Objectivity
Why it matters:
• Bias can distort the presentation of facts, leading to one-sided or misleading conclusions.
How to evaluate:
• Detect bias:
• Is the content overly promotional or dismissive of alternative perspectives?
• Identify the purpose:
• Is the goal to inform, persuade, or sell something?
• Look for balance:
• Does the source acknowledge counterarguments or alternative viewpoints?
Red Flags:
• Emotional language or rhetoric designed to provoke fear or outrage.
• Exclusive focus on one side of an issue without addressing opposing evidence.
6. Citations and References
Why it matters:
• Reliable sources back their claims with evidence from authoritative references.
How to evaluate:
• Trace citations:
• Are the cited sources reputable, such as academic journals or government reports?
• Primary vs. secondary sources:
• Prefer primary sources (e.g., original studies) over secondary interpretations.
• Transparency:
• Are citations provided, or does the content rely on vague statements like “experts agree”?
Red Flags:
• No references or reliance on questionable sources (e.g., personal blogs, opinion pieces).
7. Peer Review and Fact-Checking
Why it matters:
• Peer-reviewed content is vetted by experts, reducing the likelihood of errors or bias.
How to evaluate:
• Check for peer review:
• Look for indications that the content was reviewed (e.g., in academic journals).
• Fact-check independently:
• Use tools like FactCheck.org, PolitiFact, or Snopes to verify controversial claims.
Red Flags:
• Claims that contradict widely accepted facts without sufficient evidence.
8. URL and Domain
Why it matters:
• The domain can give clues about the nature and reliability of the source.
How to evaluate:
• Trusted domains:
• .edu (education), .gov (government), and .org (non-profits) are generally reliable.
• Commercial intent:
• Be cautious with .com sites that may prioritize profit over accuracy.
• Domain credibility:
• Look up the domain’s history using tools like WHOIS or archive.org.
Red Flags:
• Unusual domain extensions (e.g., .info, .biz) or URL names that mimic reputable sites.
9. Relevance to Your Query
Why it matters:
• Even credible information may not be useful if it doesn’t directly address your question.
How to evaluate:
• Match with key terms:
• Does the content use the specific language or concepts you are researching?
• Practical application:
• Can you use the information to support your goals or conclusions?
Red Flags:
• Content that drifts off-topic or focuses on tangential issues.
10. Cross-Referencing
Why it matters:
• Verifying information across multiple sources ensures consistency and accuracy.
How to evaluate:
• Compare multiple sources:
• Are the facts consistent across independent, reliable publications?
• Check opposing viewpoints:
• Look for counterarguments to ensure a balanced understanding.
Red Flags:
• Unique claims that cannot be corroborated elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
• Analyzing the source is a multi-step process that ensures the information is accurate, relevant, and unbiased.
• Use author credibility, publisher reputation, content quality, and cross-referencing as your main criteria.
• Always remain skeptical and prioritize critical thinking, especially when researching complex or controversial topics.
• Just use your 'feeling' and spiritual guidance; often a shitty source is quoted by more than 3 news agencies or similar in specific industries, and all is based on pure noise!
