Take a moment to consider what information you are actually looking for.

Brainstorming keywords, considering synonyms or alternative phrases, generating questions etc. Mindmapping might help too.

Time spent defining the task can lead to a more effective and streamlined research process.

The quality of the search terms you put in the Google search box will determine the quality of your results.

There are a LOT of tips and tricks for Googling but first master the basics of doing a proper Google search.

Try these basics:

Type in some simple search terms using only the important keywords

If the initial results aren’t what you want, alter the search terms and get more specific (get clues from the initial search results e.g. you might see synonyms that would work or get ideas from the “People Also Ask” section)

Use quotation marks if you want your keywords in an exact order, e.g. “raining cats and dogs”

Remember:
use your best guess with spelling (Google will often understand)
don’t worry about punctuation
understand that everyone’s results will be different, even if they use the same search terms (depending on browser history, location etc.)

Here is a short video which explains how Google works:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVV_93mBfSU

Entering quality search terms is one thing but knowing what to click on is another.
Try...

Looking beyond the first few results. Google’s PageRank algorithm is complex (as per the video above), and many websites use Search Engine Optimisation to improve the visibility of their pages in search results. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the most useful or relevant sites for you.

The anatomy of a Google search result, do you know what all the components mean?

Check the domain.
Use multiple tabs.

Once you click on a link and land on a site, how do you know if it offers the information you need?

Do you know how to search a page? Use Control F (Command F on Mac) to bring up a search box that can scan the page.

Evaluate by checking multiple sources. Cross check information on two or three different sites before assuming it’s accurate.

You have found what you need! Hooray!

Now what?

Do you copy and paste the information you find and claim it as your own work?

Do you understand about plagiarism and copyright infringement?

Plagiarism is taking someone’s work and presenting it as your own.
What is the difference between paraphrasing and summarising? This fact sheet from the University of New England might be a useful resource to help with this.
https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/13458/WE_Paraphrasing-an...

There are some free online tools that summarise information for you. These aren’t perfect but could be handy For example, you could try writing your own summary and then compare it to a computer summary. Try SMMRY as you can enter text or a URL of an article. Eric Curts shares a list of 7 summary tools in this blog post. https://www.controlaltachieve.com/2017/10/summary-tools.html

Have you used quotation marks and cited sources?

The internet can offer a confusing web of information at times. Do you know how to find the source of information you find?

EasyBib, Word Template

You might also like to set up a system to organise your information while you’re searching. There are many apps and online tools to curate, annotate, and bookmark information, however, you could just set up a simple system like a Google Doc or Spreadsheet.

Wakelet
Refme
Google Docs

Created using EasyBib add on. APA style.