Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to the identification of a set of auctions which are similar, or relevant, to a contemplated or model auction. In one embodiment, the similar auction identification system uses a model auction, including keywords and other information contained in a data structure that characterize attributes of the auction, as input data to identify a set of auctions that are similar or analytically relevant to the model auction. In one implementation, the resulting set of identified auctions allows a user to efficiently analyze the auctions in assessing the starting parameters of a contemplated auction, or for assessing the latest bid price in a currently pending auction. In one implementation, the set of identified auctions can be used as an input to an auction optimization system that, for example, computes a set of suggested auction parameters for a contemplated auction, and/or computes one or more predicted behavioral attributes for a contemplated auction.