Search Engine Module - Quiz Explanation
The correct answers are indicated below, along with text that explains the correct answers.
1.
Which one of the following methods is most typically used by a directory to compile and update entries in its list of categories?
Please select the best answer.
A.
Robots or spiders
B.
Editors and researchers
C.
The World Wide Web Consortium
D.
The top sites requested by metasearch engines
The correct answer is B.
Directories are compiled and maintained by humans, editors and researchers. A is incorrect because search engines use robots and spiders (automated programs) to search the Web. C is incorrect because the World Wide Web Consortium sets protocol for the Web and does not supply data to directories.
D is incorrect because even the top sites in a metasearch engine come from automated Web searching and are not hand-selected as directory sites are.
2.
Which one of the following statements best explains how a robot works with a search engine?
Please select the best answer.
A.
The robot creates the interface through which you can enter a search query.
B.
The robot is used to continue searching for you after you have left the search site.
C.
The robot retrieves information from the Web and stores it in a database that can be searched.
D.
The robot is used to send out email alerts when new information is available through the search service.
The correct answer is C.
Robots search the Web for new and updated Web pages, gathering information and storing it in a database. A, B, and D are incorrect because the robot is not a part of the search site that user has direct contact with; the user interacts with the database that the robot builds.
3.
Which one of the following terms best represents another name for a subject page?
Please select the best answer.
A.
Gopher page
B.
Link page
C.
Web catalog page
D.
Collection page
The correct answer is D.
Subject pages are also known as collection pages or compendium pages. A is incorrect because Gopher sites are not on the World Wide Web.
B is incorrect because, unlike a subject page, a link page contains no content related to a single topic. C is incorrect because Web catalog is another name for a directory.
4.
Which one of the following pieces of information is typically not shown on a search engine results page?
Please select the best answer.
A.
The name of the author of the document or Web page.
B.
The title of the document or Web page as coded by the person who created it.
C.
The date that the document or Web page was published or last updated.
D.
The total number of references to the keyword(s) in the search engine's database.
The correct answer is A.
The author's name is not typically retrieved as part of the results, although it may occasionally appear if the particular search engine retrieves the first line or two of text from the document. B, C, and D are all pieces of information that typically appear in the results of a search.
5.
Which one of the following answers best describes which part of the Internet the vast majority of entries in search engine and directory databases are drawn from?
Please select the best answer.
A.
Usenet
B.
FTP archives
C.
The World Wide Web (WWW)
D.
Wide Area Information Servers (WAIS)
The correct answer is C.
The World Wide Web provides the vast majority of directory and search engine entries. A and B are incorrect because, even though some search engine databases contain entries from these sources, they are a small portion of the total entries. D is incorrect because directories and search engines that you access through your browser do not search WAIS entries; WAIS servers use a special query language.
