Directory Categoy - Quiz Explanation
The correct answers are indicated below, along with text that explains the correct answers.
1.
Which one of the following statements best describes a benefit to someone new to searching using a directory category search?
Please select the best answer.
A.
A directory category search will return more results than searching with a search engine.
B.
A directory category search will always return the most current results.
C.
A directory category search does not require entering a search query.
D.
A directory category search is always the quickest way to arrive at a listing of search results.
The correct answer is C.
Someone new to searching can search by simply selecting categories until the last level is reached and select from the references provided. A is incorrect because a search engine will typically return more results than a directory. B is incorrect because search engines are constantly searching the Web and are more likely to uncover recent references. D is incorrect because a category search usually involves several levels of categories; time is spent viewing the categories and deciding which one is most likely to yield the desired results. Typing a simple keyword query is usually quicker.
2.
Which one of these statements best describes a sequence of events that occurs when you submit a search query to a search engine?
Please select the best answer.
A.
The search query is sent to spiders which then search the Web for documents matching your search query.
B.
Matching results from the search engine's database are searched by spiders to ensure that the documents still exist before displaying the results list to you.
C.
The contents of the search engine's database is sent to your browser, where it is matched against your search query to produce a results list.
D.
The search query is matched against an index of the search engine's database, and a list of matching results are sent back to the browser.
The correct answer is D.
The search query keywords are used by the search engine's searching software to locate matches in the index of its database. A is incorrect because search queries do not have contact with the spiders' job of automated searching of Web and other Internet links. B is incorrect because results of a search are typically transmitted directly back to the user without link checking. C is incorrect because the entire database, numbering millions of indexed documents, are not sent back to the user by the search engine.
3.
What is the typical order of the hierarchical categories into which directories organize their data?
Please select the best answer.
A.
From the most specific categories to the most general.
B.
From the most general categories to the most specific.
C.
From the most often requested categories to the least often requested.
D.
From the categories with the most recently updated data to those with the oldest data.
The correct answer is B.
Hierarchical categories in a directory are organized from most general (on the main page) to most specific. Recall the Australia map search and the recipe search that used categories. A is incorrect because it is the opposite of the correct answer. C and D are incorrect because, although directories may rank (or allow you to rank) search results by popularity or date last updated, neither of these are how directories arrange their hierarchical categories.
4.
Which one of the following statements best describes a situation in which a directory can be the most useful search method to try?
Please select the best answer.
A.
You need the most results you can find on the particular topic.
B.
You know exactly the specific information you are looking for.
C.
You have an idea of the general category of the information you are looking for.
D.
You are looking for unscreened, unedited references to your information.
The correct answer is C.
Directories tend to be most useful when you're uncertain of exactly the information you're looking for, but have an idea of a general category it may fall under. A is incorrect because search engines will return more results than directories. B is incorrect because you would pose a search query to a search engine in that case. D is incorrect because directories, by definition, contain references that have been edited or screened by persons.
5.
Which one of the following statements best describes a limitation of depending on only one search engine service for all your searching needs?
Please select the best answer.
A.
Even the largest search engine database has 50 percent or less of Web documents indexed.
B.
Names of categories are not standardized; you can't always tell what category contains a particular topic.
C.
The time delay between when a Web site and its documents are submitted for screening and its addition to the database can be significant.
D.
One search engine service will not return references to documents indexed by any other search service.
The correct answer is A.
A metasearch engine that passes your query to multiple search engines will improve your odds, as the largest search engine database indexes half or less of current Web documents. B is incorrect because that is a limitation of directories. C is incorrect because that is also a limitation of directories. D is incorrect because there is some amount of overlap between different search engine services in documents that are indexed.