Search (5 results, page 1 of 1)

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Abstract

Searching information retrieval systems is a highly interactive, iterative process that cannot be understood simply by comparing the output of a search session (the 'search product') to a query stated in advance. In this article, we examine evaluation goals and methods for studying information retrieval behavior, drawing examples from our own research and that of others. We limit our review to research that employs online monitoring, also known as transaction log analysis. Online monitoring is one of few methods that can capture detailed data on the search process at a reasonable cost; these data can be used to build quantitative models or to support qualitative interpretations of quatitative results. Monitoring is a data collection technique rather than a research design, and can be employed in experimental of field studies, whether alone or combined with other data collection methods. Based on the the research questions of interest, the researcher must determine what variables to collect from each data source, which to treat as independent varaibles to manipulate, and which to treat as dependent variables to observe effects. Studies of searching behavior often treat search task and searcher characteristics as independent variables and may manipulate other independent variables specific to the research questions addressed. Search outcomes, time, and search paths frequently are treated as dependent variables. We discuss each of these sets of variables, illustrating them with sample results from the literature and from our own research. Our examples are drawn from the Science Library Catalog project, a 7-year study of children's searching behavior on an experimental retrieval system. We close with a brief discussion of the implications of these results for the design of information retrieval systems

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Abstract

Explores the influence of several search task characteristics of children's success in finding science materials on an automated library catalogue, the Science Library Catalgo. Children performed 8 search tasks that varied in terms of science and technology topics and complexity levels. Considers children's domain knowlegde levels and gender. The complexity of the search task and the level of children's science domain knowledge affect their success in identifying books on assigned science topics. Discusses implications for end user training

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Abstract

Reports on a continuing project to study children's search behaviour on an automated library catalogue designed for children, called the Science Library Catalog. This experiment exployed an advanced version of the system which combines the browsing features of earlier versions with keyword capabilities that do not require correct spelling, searching alphabetical lists, or using Boolean logic. 5th grade children are able to use browsing and keyword searchs trategies successfully, relying on browsing to familiarize themselves with the system and graduating to keyword methods after they are comfortable with the system. Children's level of science domian knowledge was found to influence both their success in finding books and their search behaviour, with children with high domain knowledge finding books more successfully and utilizing more keyword and mixed search methgods. Results contribute to understanding of the factors affecting children's search behaviour

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Abstract

As we seek both to improve public school education in high technology areas and to link libraries and classrooms on the 'information superhighway', we need to understand more about children's information searching abilities. We present results of 4 experiments conducted on 4 versions of the Science Library Catalog (SLC), a Dewey Decimal based hierarchical browsing systems implemeted in HyperCard without a keyboard. The experiments were conducted over a 3-year period at 3 sites, with 4 databases, and with comparisons to 2 different keyword online catalogs. Subjects were ethnically and culturally diverse children aged 9 through 12; with 32 to 34 children participating in each experiment. Children were provided explicit instruction and reference materials for the keyword systems but not for the SLC. The number of search topics matched was comparable across all systems and all experiments; search times were comparable, thought hey varied among the 4 SLC versions and between the 2 keyword OPACs. The SLC overall was robust to differences in age, sex and computer experience. One of the keyword OPACs was subject to minor effects of age and computer experience; the other was not. We found relationships between search topic and system structure, such that the most difficult topics on the SLC were those hard to locate in the hierarchy, and those most difficult on the keyword OPACs were hard to spell or required children to generate their own search terms. The SLC approach overcomes problems with several searching features that are difficult for children in typical keyword OPAC systems; typing skills, spelling, vocabulary, and Boolean logic. Results have general implications for the desing of information retrieval systems for children

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Abstract

This study explores the relevance criteria and search strategies elementary school children applied when searching for information related to a class assignment in a school library setting. Students were interviewed on 2 occasions at different stages of the research process; field observations involved students thinking aloud to explain their search proceses and shadowing as students moved around the school library. Students performed searches on an online catalog, an electronic encyclopedia, an electronic magazine index, and the WWW. Results are presented for children selecting the topic, conducting the search, examining the results, and extracting relevant results. A total of 254 mentions of relevance criteria were identified, including 197 references to textual relevance criteria that were coded into 9 categories and 57 references to graphical relevance criteria that were coded into 5 categories. Students exhibited little concern for the authority of the textual and graphical information they found, based the majority of their relevance decisions for textual material on topicality, and identified information they found interesting. Students devoted a large portion of their research time to find pictures. Understanding the ways that children use electronic resources and the relevance criteria they apply has implications for information literacy training and for systems design