Search (3 results, page 1 of 1)

0.06694343 = product of:
  0.26777372 = sum of:
    0.26777372 = weight(_text_:assisted in 1012) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
      0.26777372 = score(doc=1012,freq=8.0), product of:
        0.29897895 = queryWeight, product of:
          6.7552447 = idf(docFreq=139, maxDocs=44218)
          0.04425879 = queryNorm
        0.8956273 = fieldWeight in 1012, product of:
          2.828427 = tf(freq=8.0), with freq of:
            8.0 = termFreq=8.0
          6.7552447 = idf(docFreq=139, maxDocs=44218)
          0.046875 = fieldNorm(doc=1012)
  0.25 = coord(1/4)

Abstract

This study examines the effects of the search interface and Boolean logic training on user search performance and satisfaction. We compared the use of an assisted search tool to that of a simple search interface like those typically found at commercial search engine sites. We found that the assisted search tool had a significant positive effect on performance, satisfaction, and confidence. Promoting the use of advanced search features is therefore in the best interest of both Web search providers and users. In the absence of an assisted interface, a simple interface coupled with Boolean logic training was also an effective means for improving user performance. Given that most searchers choose to use the simple search box, it is important to provide them with applicable training to promote the effective use of the search tool. Interestingly, coupling the assisted interface with Boolean training was no more effective than either treatment alone.

0.047336154 = product of:
  0.18934461 = sum of:
    0.18934461 = weight(_text_:assisted in 5245) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
      0.18934461 = score(doc=5245,freq=4.0), product of:
        0.29897895 = queryWeight, product of:
          6.7552447 = idf(docFreq=139, maxDocs=44218)
          0.04425879 = queryNorm
        0.6333042 = fieldWeight in 5245, product of:
          2.0 = tf(freq=4.0), with freq of:
            4.0 = termFreq=4.0
          6.7552447 = idf(docFreq=139, maxDocs=44218)
          0.046875 = fieldNorm(doc=5245)
  0.25 = coord(1/4)

Abstract

Given that time is money, Web searching can be a very expensive proposition. Even with the best search technology, the usefulness of search results depends on the searcher's ability to use that technology effectively. In an effort to improve this ability, our research investigates the effects of logic training, interface training, and the type of search interface on the search process. In a study with 145 participants, we found that even limited training in basic Boolean logic improved performance with a simple search interface. Surprisingly, for users of an interface that assisted them in forming syntactically correct Boolean queries, performance was negatively affected by logic training and unaffected by interface training. Use of the assisted interface itself, however, resulted in strong improvements in performance over use of the simple interface. In addition to being useful for search engine providers, these findings are important for all companies that rely heavily on search for critical aspects of their operations, in that they demonstrate simple means by which the search experience can be improved for their employees and customers.

0.039446793 = product of:
  0.15778717 = sum of:
    0.15778717 = weight(_text_:assisted in 1051) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
      0.15778717 = score(doc=1051,freq=4.0), product of:
        0.29897895 = queryWeight, product of:
          6.7552447 = idf(docFreq=139, maxDocs=44218)
          0.04425879 = queryNorm
        0.5277535 = fieldWeight in 1051, product of:
          2.0 = tf(freq=4.0), with freq of:
            4.0 = termFreq=4.0
          6.7552447 = idf(docFreq=139, maxDocs=44218)
          0.0390625 = fieldNorm(doc=1051)
  0.25 = coord(1/4)

Abstract

This paper presents a detailed analysis of the structure and components of queries written by experimental participants in a study that manipulated two factors found to affect end-user information retrieval performance: training in Boolean logic and the type of search interface. As reported previously, we found that both Boolean training and the use of an assisted interface improved the participants' ability to find correct responses to information requests. Here, we examine the impact of these training and interface manipulations on the Boolean operators and search terms that comprise the submitted queries. Our analysis shows that both Boolean training and the use of an assisted interface improved the participants' ability to correctly utilize various operators. An unexpected finding is that this training also had a positive impact on term selection. The terms and, to a lesser extent, the operators comprising a query were important factors affecting the participants' performance in query tasks. Our findings demonstrate that even small training interventions can improve the users' search performance and highlight the need for additional information retrieval research into how search interfaces can provide superior support to today's untrained users of the Web.