Research is an iterative cycle that involves constantly adjusting your search strategy. This requires playing around with keywords, boolean operators, and ways in which you are searching to figure out what works and what doesn't.
Can I use Google?
Your entire research process cannot be completed only using Google, but it can be a useful starting point. Doing a quick Google search can help build context and give you an understanding of the existing conversation around your topic. From there you can start to thinking about where your research question fits. You can also do a scan of language used which may help when moving into the next of generating a keyword and key concept list.
Can I use Google Scholar?
Google Scholar is another useful first stop, but cannot be relied on for finding scholarly sources. Unlike databases found in the AU catalog, Google Scholar does not disclose their criteria for what is considered a scholarly source. You can't guarantee that the source you find has been peer reviewed which can cause problems for your research.
That being said, Google Scholar can be useful for locating scholarly sources available in the AU catalog. Learn more about how to connect Google to the AU Library.