In addition, the Web can be used to connect with relevant sources of primary data (e.g., experts) and conduct online interviews.
[citation needed] Internet research can provide quick, immediate, and worldwide access to information, although results may be affected by unrecognized bias, difficulties in verifying a writer's credentials (and therefore the accuracy or pertinence of the information obtained), and whether the researcher has sufficient skill to draw meaningful results from the abundance of material typically available.
The results are accessed from a database, using search algorithms that select web pages based on the location and frequency of keywords on them, along with the quality and number of external hyperlinks pointing at them.
Browsers typically provide separate input boxes to search history titles, bookmarks, and the currently displayed web page, though the latter only shows up when a hot key is pressed.
A Web directory organizes subjects in a hierarchical fashion that lets users investigate the breadth of a specific topic and drill down to find relevant links and content.
Human-edited Web directories have the distinct advantage of higher quality and reliability, while those produced by algorithms can offer more comprehensive coverage.
The scope of Web directories are generally broad, such as Curlie and The WWW Virtual Library, covering a wide range of subjects, while others focus on specific topics.
In fact, the vast majority of information on the web is stored in databases that require users to go to a specific site and access it through a search form.
Specialty search tools have evolved to provide users with the means to quickly and easily find deep Web content.
If the author's name or sponsoring organization is found, an Internet search might provide information that can be used to determine if the website is reliable and unbiased.
The goal is to collect information relevant to a specific research project in one place, so that it can be found and accessed again quickly.
Captured and kept information also provides an additional backup, in case web pages and sites disappear or are inaccessible later.