Research Log Entry II: Questions

1. What question did you try to answer?

On Sunday afternoon, we were driving towards home from Church. While driving on the freeway, I sat in a pleasant state, taking in the sunshine, listening to the Chargers and Patriots game on the radio. Then, my dad presented to me a watch. It was big, but slick. The black dial was covered in a shiny glass, which shone of luxury, and a titanium silver that gleamed in the sun. My dad said that it retailed for $250 and that it was solar-powered. With that said, I was sold. When we arrived home, I examined the watch piece, and the questions popped into my head:
“What are the specifications of this ‘Citizen Eco-Drive WR 200’ watch?”


2. What web search engine or engines did you use?

As I approached my computer, I logged on and used my favorite search engine, Google. At the same time, I was able to check my email. It feels great to multitask.


3. What search terms did you use to ask your question?

As I began to type, I knew that inputting a simple question could elicit impertinent results. In turn, I put in only key words, “citizen eco-drive wr 200 watch specifications”


4. What was your evaluation of your results?

For my query, there were 29,000 results. Most of the sites listed were places that were selling the watch. Many of them contained similar specifications, such as solar-power, perpetual calendar, and diving capabilities. However, those results were sparse, as there weren’t many. There were a lot of people selling them, though, in the $400-$600 range.


5. What other search strategies could you try?

Using a different engine wouldn’t hurt. Google—as well as other people—assert that they are the best and most reliable search engine and return some of the more relevant results. In the past, they have; but, for this particular search, it was hard to find specifications for my watch.


6. What other questions came into your mind to continue your exploration?

As I sat, dissatisfied with my results, I began to think of how I could improve my query. I wondered, “if I add quotes around the watch model, what would happen?” I did so and it brought up very similar results of the previous search. Disappointed again, I wondered, “what if I go to Yahoo?” After doing so, I was surprised to see that I not only got more results, but more relevant sites for my specific kind of watch. Google is in trouble now.