Set the scope to match the question
For a stable definition or background topic, prioritize source quality and coverage rather than limiting results to the newest pages. For current policies, product behavior, or events, a recency limit can reduce outdated material, but it may omit authoritative guidance that has not changed recently.
Start with a moderate number of results, then adjust after looking at the source types and relevance. A very small set can hide disagreement; an excessively broad set adds noise and makes review slower. Use a few targeted searches when one query mixes several different questions.
Review sources instead of relying on rank
Search order is not a guarantee of authority, completeness, or freshness. Open the pages that support important claims, inspect their publication or update dates, and prefer direct sources where available. Check whether the page answers the question rather than merely matching its keywords.
If results look repetitive, refine the query with a specific product term, place, or document type instead of only increasing the count. For a fast-moving topic, repeat the search with a different time window and compare what changed. Record the chosen filters so the search can be reproduced.