Tag Archives: search engines

internet search engine vs. library database

In regard to my research topic, I searched using roughly- the phrase “broadcast Media Influences” through internet engine “Google Scholar”.  I ended up with a lot information and results relevant to my topic, compared with a relatively less information but “more” relevant and accurate to the topic when I searched through City tech’s “database”.

Overall, both search engine and database are similar in term they characterized by a great degree of commitment and credibility over many other search engines. However, searching through City tech’s database is unique and shows a “professional” approach since you can manage and narrow your search using a classified categories.

 

Search techniques

I must admit I never gave any real thought to the inner workings of search engines even as a student of computer science. The reading of chapter 3 by Badke reveals technical details in reference to search engines and how they work. Half way through the chapter where Badke talks about how Boolean logic can be used with keyword search reminded me of a statement reiterated in a few of my CST classes. This statement said that, “A program is only as smart as its programmer.” In this situation database searching using kewords requires applying proper logic for maximum efficiency, as it is a algorithmic program tool. I must admit, it’s really easy to forget this when it comes to Google. Google spoils us when we interact with Google search as if it’s human. The stunning thing here is that it actually provides useful information relevant to us most times. So when Badke says,  “Garbage in, garbage out” is not exactly true outside the realm of database search. Because so many people use Google I believe the search engine links certain questions such as, “How do I cook a bowl of rice?” to pages or websites where someone actually answers this question through its data processing.

Databases …… Searching Engines

Once again I keep learning new informations with Badke, in his detailed article, “Database Searching with Keywords and Hierarchies”.

Badke has defined and explored clearly- most basic terms and concepts in consideration to the technical approach of how to deal smoothly- with searching engines.

A “database” is any collection of data that can be retrieved using organized search procedures, phone directories, library catalogs, journal databases, …… etc.

A “database record” is a description of the content  that stands in the place of actual content when you search a database.

In keyword searching, the strong ability of computers which is the ability to find words, is used.

Words by themselves have no definite meaning ; words are capable of a variety of meanings. Meaning of a word is only established when that word is placed in a context.

Regarding hierarchies, in research you must know where you are ____ _____ _______________.

In the hierarchy

These are some features of an interesting journey with searching engines !

 

Database searching with keywords and hierarchies:William Maldonado

In chapter 3 of Badke’s book I found it interesting how some search engines for some databases use commands just like in some programming languages to find or show certain files except it is a lot simpler. I also have never used none of the commands mentioned in chapter 3 but i think i will incorporate them and make them a habit when I am doing research. Although badke stated a couple commands he also stated that we should look at what other commands certain search engines use like Google. A great example is when Prof.Leonard used the “ti: project x”  to better find works with the title project x.

Searching for Answers

Although I knew some about search engines, I didn’t know about all of the intricacies until I started reading. When I was younger I often got frustrated sifting through useless searches, so I began to familiarize myself with the use of AND, OR, and quotation marks. However I did wonder how search engines could be so different. The only thing I knew was the difference between regular search engines and meta search engines. But reading on how search engines can be different makes me want to mess around and put in some searches to see the differences in different search engines.

Technology is Making us Lazy

In both William Badke’s, Research Strategies: Finding Your Way Through the Information Fog, and  Robert Reinhold’s New York Times article entitled,”Study Says Technology Could Transform Society”, that although there is no denying the inevitable truth that the technological advances that have been made thus far have made society as a whole more prosperous , however, technology in its entirety has made us lazy.  According to Badke, he states that even though gatekeepers of modern society are still of importance, that ” on  the WWW, gatekeepers are no longer required.”  This is a huge uprising issue in particular to students, because without experts proof reading/editing these articles, all articles are now being questioned for liability. Often times students use the standard search engines such as Google or Bing  as opposed to a scholarly data base within their school’s library.  The downfalls to these search engines are their lack of accountability. The quality of one’s writing is diminished and the potential of that student is undermined. Like wise, in Reinhold’s article, he speaks of technology basically taking over the world; which was a spot on  prediction of what modern’s society would look like. In all, old customs from buying clothes to reading a book to acquire knowledge, has been tampered with due to the advancements in technology. Now, everything we want is at the edge of our fingertips.