Search Trends

This theme addresses methodological challenges in constructing search query sets that authentically represent user interests and behavior, which is crucial for studies in social sciences, health, and political science relying on search engine data. Traditional query set creation is often unsystematic and lacks representativeness, undermining the validity of derived insights. New approaches that incorporate query popularity (search volume) and broad topic coverage, leveraging commercial keyword research tools, are proposed to enhance evidential value.

This research area focuses on understanding how the popularity, content relevance, and user intent behind search queries evolve over time, often exhibiting patterns such as spikes related to events or periodicity. These temporal query dynamics influence search engine relevance and ranking, and recognizing them allows for better modeling of user behavior, improved search experience, and real-time trend detection.

This theme investigates the application of search trend analysis for tracking public awareness, behavior changes, and emerging health or social phenomena by monitoring specific queries related to diseases, symptoms, or societal events. Understanding these patterns provides near real-time surveillance and behavioral insights that can support public health planning, policy decision-making, and research on information diffusion.