An enquiry into Swedish Google search queries on wind power

An enquiry into Swedish Google search queries on wind power

This study investigated wind power-related search queries from Google regarding themes and how they shape online information-seeking and comprehension of the topic.

RAT was used to generate 741 query entries from Google in Sweden.

Abstract

Renewable energy sources have emerged as a current subject matter in Sweden amidst  discussions regarding  energy  costs, climate  change  and  development of  energy  production.  This  study  explores how Google Search is used for seeking information about wind power and how utilised search queries contribute to the understanding of this energy source. Adopting a practice theoretical perspective, the study explores search queries as doings and sayings, and understands search engines as an established part of everyday routinised information seeking-activities. Data collection was carried out in a trace ethnographic vein through the automatic retrieval of search queries enacted between November 2021 and October 2022. The search queries were analysed and visualised according to their prevalence and meaning.  A  qualitative,  multiple  coding  approach  was  moreover  used  for  the  identificationand interpretation of themes and subthemes. The results show  that geographical locations, wind power functions and small wind turbines comprise the most prominent subthemes of the search queries. This is replicated also in the search term frequencies, providing further insights to queries related to wind turbine’s efficiency as well as subthemes of advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, the study shows the tendency to phrase search queries as simple questions for complex matters, with nuances being  lost  in  the  pursuit  of  austere,  uncomplicated  answers.  Altogether,  the  results  contribute  to  a wider understanding of how environmental information seeking is conducted today.

RAT functionality used

Query Samplergenerate queries from the initial query “vindkraft", display query volumes in terms of monthly searches

Publications and presentations

Paper

Ekström, B., & Wallin, E. T. (2023). Simple questions for complex matters? An enquiry into Swedish Google search queries on wind power. Nordic Journal of Library and Information Studies, 4(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.7146/njlis.v4i1.136246 

Video

Want to learn more about RAT and the Search Studies research group? Sign up for our Newsletter!