As Web searching becomes more prolific for information access worldwide, we need to better understand humans’ Web searching behaviour and develop better models of users’ interaction with Web search engines. Web searching is an important element of information behaviour and human computer interaction which includes multitasking processes and the allocation of cognitive resources among several tasks, and shifts in cognitive, problem and knowledge states. In addition to multitasking, cognitive coordination and cognitive shifts are also important but under-explored aspects of Web searching. Much research has been conducted into Web search. However, few studies have modeling the nature of and relationship between multitasking, cognitive coordination and cognitive shifts in the Web search context. This study aims to model the relationship between multitasking, cognitive coordination and cognitive shifts during Web search.
The research is designed by using a combination of data collection instruments, including pre- and post-questionnaires, think-aloud protocols, search logs, observation and interviews. A pilot study with two study participants was conducted. Key findings include: (1) non-assigned information problems ordering was influenced by the factors including personal interest, problem importance, usefulness in future, ease of finding information on the Web, randomness, and time. Personal interest was found as the major factor for both study participants’ information problems ordering; (2) both participants experienced complex cognitive coordination process embedded within Web search interaction, and two participants experienced different degrees of complicated cognitive coordination process; (3) as to cognitive shifts, both study participants experienced positive and negative shifts at all levels including their information problem understanding, information problem stage, information seeking stage, personal knowledge, contribution to the information problem resolution, uncertainty, and search stages; (4) the same study participant experienced different cognitive shifts on three different information problems; (5) an important relationship existed between multitasking, cognitive coordination and cognitive shifts during Web search interaction. Web search interaction is shown to be a multitasking process during which information problems ordering, task switching, task and mental coordinating occur, and at deeper level, cognitive shifts take place. Cognitive coordination is the hinge linking multitasking and cognitive shifts to move user’s through their Web searching interaction process. Without cognitive coordination, neither multitasking Web searching nor complicated mental process of cognitive shifting can occur. A model based on the key findings of the pilot study is provided to illustrate this relationship. Also the implications for the development of more effective Web based IR systems is discussed.
Authors: Jia Tina Du
Event: SF08: Speed Papers