Assignment Number 3:

Analysis of Multimedia Search Engine Features

Requirement: Conduct and write an analysis (typed, double-spaced, margins 1 inch all around, Times New Roman, 11 pitch, no title except on the cover sheet) of the multimedia search features on a major Web Search Engine of your choosing. A list of search engines is included below for your convenience and is also available on the Web, in the course syllabus, at http://jimjansen.tripod.com.

Use the following queries,

Compare the effect on the results (i.e., documents returned) of just entering the queries into the search engines versus utilizing the search engine's special/advanced multimedia search features. The focus for this assignment is to gain an understanding of multimedia search techniques and, just as importantly, the use and presentation of data in an academic report.

Provide a description of the multimedia search techniques of the search engine.

In comparing search techniques, use the results of the simple search (i.e., just entering the queries) as the baseline. Then, compare this baseline to advanced multimedia search techniques that the search engine offers.

Only use the first ten (10) hits from the result lists. If there were less than 10 results, use that number.

In your comparison, you must the report the total number of hits from each search (i.e., 10 or less), the number of hits that were the same as the baseline for that query, and the percentage that this number represents of the baseline.

Also, include as appendices a list of the results for each, appropriately labeled (e.g., Baseline Search: "query you choose", AND Multimedia Search: "query you choose").

After you conduct the searches and complete the analysis, what is your opinion of multimedia search techniques relative to the simple searching technique? Is it worth it both in terms of search engine design and user effort?

Shift your focus to the queries. Due you think the queries are effective? That is, are you satisfied with the results?

Key to an analysis and a report using data is a logical and coherent presentation. A sample way to present the data is:

Appendix A: Baseline "query you choose"

Appendix B: Multimedia Search: "query you choose"

Specifics:

• In your write-up, include the standard reference information (author, publication date, article title, journal, and Web site with date downloaded) if applicable.
• Provide a brief review of the search engine, including the URL and a summary of the multimedia searching techniques offered (i.e., for this, a "cut and paste" along with some formatting will suffice).
• For the searching techniques, if your search engine offers image searching use that technique for your analysis, then audio, and then video. In other words, analysis all three types of queries if your search engine supports it.
• Address the questions presented above.
• Reminder to include a cover sheet in accordance with the syllabus.
• Be prepared to deliver a 15-minute presentation on your analysis to the class. Have one slide (we will use the computer and projector) to present your data.

Due: The review is due at the start of the class period, Week 4, 27 April 2000.

Chose one of the following six search engine/s:

1. AltaVista : http://www.altavista.com/
2. FAST Search : http://www.alltheweb.com/
3. HotBot : http://www.hotbot.com/
4. Lycos : http://www.lycos.com/
5. Snap: http://www.snap.com/
6. Excite : http://www.excite.com/ and Go / Infoseek : http://www.go.com/