Searching and Googling

Which search engine is the best? 

1. Pick two search engines to compare such as Yahoo, Google, Bing, or DuckDuck Go.

Google is known for personalized results and an extensive range of interconnected services, but it collects user data for targeted advertising. DuckDuckGo prioritizes privacy, providing unbiased search results without tracking user information. It has a clean interface and a focus on a straightforward, private search experience. The choice between them often depends on individual preferences regarding privacy, personalization, and the type of search experience desired.

2. Try lexically ambiguous searches, such as China or Washington.  What search engine handles your search better?  Why?  Do you see any clustering?

When searching lexically ambiguous searches such as “Apple” both search engines handle the result the same. Both search engines picked up the product of Apple and Apple.com.

3. Try a sample search on both pages that is not (or is minimally) semantically ambiguous. Considering only the top 20 results, which search engine offers better precision?  Why do you say so?

When searching “Population of France 2024” in both search engines google offered more precise information. Google gave me direct access to the population numbers as compared to Duck Duck Go I was given websites to look up different places’ populations.

4. Is it possible to determine which search engine offers better recall?  Explain why or why not.

I believe it is not possible to determine which search engine offers better recall I believe it is a matter of personal opinion as well as searching techniques used by each individual person.