i think google is checking NEXT, i think google tracks the time that USER, visitor spends on the site. For instance, blogs, i understand google loves refreshing content, but i also think the more visitor spends time on the page, the more it's benefits ranking and PR.
Google tracks everything, SERPS ctr relevancy, age, etc etc. You are correct, when you search and click they can check how much time you spend.
I've always thought that the number of times your site gets accessed from a search has something to do with googles algo. I didn't consider time spent on that site being a factor but I suppose it could be.
I'm not sure how Google could track how long users spend on a site they do not control. Don't you need a script or some sort of software on a site to track usage statistics that detailed?
Anyone who uses google desktop can be tracked - theres actually a option in preferences that is auto checked that says... Information about web pages you visit may be sent to Google to personalize features such as the news shown in Sidebar. Other non-personal usage data and crash reports may be sent to Google to improve Desktop. To learn more about our privacy protections, read our Privacy Policy. And if you use google toolbar you are being tracked too. Lisa
Like those who have Nielson trackers on their television and they just average it out for the masses (by taking a small sample and assuming it's true for the majority)? Makes sense.
Google uses information that is collected through use of the Google Toolbar. You are asked whether or not you want to send stats to Google when you install the toolbar. Dan