Learn to predict the present with Think Quarterly

In July, we launched our first issue of Think Quarterly, a publication that packages up the insights and ideas that we learn from both inside and outside of Google. Today we�re launching our second edition, the �People� issue. It explores the latest technologies connecting us and the big ideas driving society forward.

One way we can gain insight into people�s actions, intentions, and future actions is through their search behavior. When looked at in aggregate, queries can speak volumes. In �Predicting the Present�, our chief economist Hal Varian talks about how you can use publicly available tools like Insights for Search and Google Correlate to this end. In his words:

�If you type �weight loss� into Google Correlate you find �healthy smoothie� and �meal replacement.� Not too surprising. But you also see terms like �vacation destination,� �cruises to,� and �wedding checklist.� And if you look at the searches that occur three weeks after the �weight loss� query, you see �weight loss plateau� and �not losing weight� at the top of the list.�

Hal�s team has uncovered a number of interesting relationships by analyzing query data. For example, here�s an infographic that shows the online and offline spending behavior of people throughout a typical week.

(click for full-size image)

For more, read the full article here. We hope you enjoy (and +1) it!

Posted by Andrew Truong, Inside AdWords crew