Search: Software for Exploring Data Structure

Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research
University of Michigan

James N. Morgan
Peter W. Solenberger
Neal A. Van Eck
Pauline R. Nagara

Search is a binary segmentation procedure used to develop a predictive model for a dependent variable. It searches among a set of predictor variables for the predictors that most increase the researcher's ability to account for the variance or distribution of a dependent variable. The question "What dichotomous split on which single predictor variable will give us a maximum improvement in our ability to predict values of the dependent variable?" asked iteratively, is the basis for the Search algorithm.

Search can perform the following functions:

• Maximize differences in group means, group regression lines, distributions (maximum-likelihood chi-square criterion), or ranking (Kendall's tau-b).
• Rank the predictors to give them preference in the partitioning.
• Sacrifice explanatory power for symmetry.
• Start after a specified partial tree structure has been generated.

The University of Michigan version of Search is a set of C and FORTRAN routines that can be launched from SAS or run independently using data from many sources. It is currently available for personal computers using the Microsoft Windows and Linux operating systems. The SAS implementation requires SAS 6.12 or higher. For the independent implementation see the Srcware references below.

Search is also available as part of MicrOsiris, a full-featured data management and analysis software package for Microsoft Windows from Van Eck Computer Consulting at URL:

http://www.microsiris.com/

Search is freeware. The University of Michigan retains the copyright for Search and authorizes its use free of charge. See the Search License Agreement for details. Please report bugs or send comments to Peter Solenberger.

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Last updated 2 August 2007