Google vs. Databases

Google vs. Databases.

We typed the exact same key words on Google and on Ebsco database in order to evaluate the top five hits on each one.

From our research we conclude that both databases and Google offer informative and useful results.  However, both have positive and negative characteristics when using them as research tools.  

The positive characteristics in using Google are:

• Internet sites offer attractive layout and color, which if used properly can make the user feel motivated to keep on reading.
• Many sites offer useful links that may enhance your search while making it interactive.
• It is fast and simple to use.

Some negative aspects of Google could include:

• Large amount of unreliable or unaccountable sources.
• Different layouts may confuse navigators.  (Too many ads, crowded information, too many colors, popups.)

Databases pros:

• Information is reliable and accountable.
• Results may be more specific for certain topics.

Databases cons:

• Results are very limited to specific areas and may not necessarily cover what we are searching for.
• Databases are not very attractive to read and may discourage users from even reading the article.