Research Edge

Challenge your Brain (and Improve your Search Skills)

It is fairly easy to learn the mechanics of finding information on the internet.  What is far more difficult is conceptualizing the search strategy, especially when complex, multi step queries are required.  As with any new skill, the best way to master it is to practice. 

A couple of months ago I came across a blog written by a gentleman named Dan Russell.  Once a week, he presented a search challenge to his audience, a question that could be answered using freely available internet resources.  He later shared the solution, outlining each step of the process.  These challenges were fun!  While I consider myself a fairly adept problem solver, I often learned more efficient search approaches.  And I admit that I was stumped a few times.    

Dan has taken his challenges to another level, launching AGoogleADay.com.  Each day, you will find a search puzzle, increasing in difficulty throughout the week.  At any time you can click on the “show answer” button to find the solution and the strategy for arriving there.   A special version of Google prevents you from getting hints from others’ queries.  You can easily share the question each day via Twitter, Buzz or Facebook, or e-mail it to a friend. 

The first question (April 11) is easy – a great time to start improving your skills!