Dissertation Information for Miseon Ahn NAME: - Miseon Ahn
DEGREE:
- Ph.D.
DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science
SCHOOL:
- University of Pittsburgh (USA) (2003)
ADVISORS: - Edie Rasmussen
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: - Hong Xu - Stephen Hirtle - Alan Michael Lesgold
MPACT Status: Complete - Except Indecipherables
Title: Exploring factors affecting users' link-following decisions and evaluation behavior during web browsing
Abstract: This study examined factors affecting users' link-following decisions and relevance judgments during users' Web browsing using a User Criterion Scale Instrument developed by Schamber and Batemen in order to identify whether relevance criteria elicited from the traditional information retrieval environment are still valid for the Web browsing environment. It also examined changes in the perception of relative importance of relevance criteria through information-seeking processes in conjunction with users' individual characteristics. Thinking-aloud during users' Web browsing sessions and two questionnaires (pre and post browsing questionnaires) were used to collect data. Content analysis and quantitative statistical methods were employed to analyze the data. Forty-one graduate students enrolled in the Secondary Education program in the University of Pittsburgh participated in the study and browsed for travel information via a link-following method using the Google Web Directory in 2002.
Link title itself was found out to be the most important Web page element providing users with information cues in their link-following decisions followed by descriptions . Although a variety of relevance criteria were employed during users' link-following processes and new criteria emerged for Web browsing, Topicality was still the most important factor through information-seeking processes as it is for any other information retrieval environment. Interesting and I like it ( appeal of information ) and Provides graphics and Provides links ( information characteristics ) along with Topicality emerged as the most influential factors across link-following decisions and evaluation processes. While Curiosity (newly identified) and Source characteristics played important roles in users' link-following decisions, Presentation of information, Availability and Quality of information were critical factors in evaluation of link-following. Users' perception of importance of relevance criteria changed as they moved across the information-seeking processes. Significant differences between users with different individual characteristics and their perception of importance of relevance criteria and Web page elements were found.
This study confirms findings from prior research on relevance criteria and users' information-seeking behavior. Theoretical implications for relevance research and practical implications for the design and development of Web search engines and Web sites are proposed.
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MPACT Scores for Miseon Ahn A = 0
C = 0
A+C = 0
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-01-31 06:25:03
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