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How important are user-generated data for search result quality?

Author

Listed:
  • Klein, Tobias
  • Kurmangaliyeva, Madina
  • Prüfer, Jens
  • Prüfer, Patricia

Abstract

Do search engines produce better results because their algorithm is better, or because they can access more data from past searches? We document that the algorithm of a small search engine can produce non-personalized results that are of similar quality to the dominant firm’s (Google) for certain types of search queries. Overall differences in the quality of search results are explained by searches for rare queries, which constitute 74% of the traffic in our data. We conduct an experiment, in which we keep the algorithm of a small search engine fixed and only vary the amount of data it uses as input. Our results show that giving small search engines access to more data about rare queries improves their quality. Mandatory data sharing by large search engines is a necessary, yet not a sufficient condition to increase the competitiveness of the search market.

Suggested Citation

  • Klein, Tobias & Kurmangaliyeva, Madina & Prüfer, Jens & Prüfer, Patricia, 2023. "How important are user-generated data for search result quality?," CEPR Discussion Papers 17934, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:17934
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • L40 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - General
    • L41 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - Monopolization; Horizontal Anticompetitive Practices

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