Navigating the Web. A Qualitative Eye Tracking–Based Study of Translators' Web Search Behaviour

This Element reports an investigation of translators' use of web-based resources and search engines. The study adopted a qualitative eye tracking-based methodology utilising a combination of gaze replay and retrospective think aloud (RTA) to elicit data. The main contribution of this Element lies in presenting not only an alternative eye tracking methodology for investigating translators' web search behaviour but also a systematic approach to gauging the reasoning behind translators' highly complex and context-dependent interaction with search engines and the Web

From Accessibility to Assess-Ability: An Evaluation Heuristic Based on Cognitive Engagement in Search

This investigation into information searching behaviour focuses on the users’ critical assessment of information when found in response to an information need, and on the cognitive aspects of search involving in the user in the assimilation of the information found. The meta analysis of a questionnaire based survey seeks to identify the constructs of the users’ assessment of information. Factor analysis of the participants’ responses identifies the assessment of the ‘cognitive relevance’ as vital in distinguishing the searcher who appears to be intent on finding information as opposed to one engaged in the relatively simple task of looking up information. The value in the development of the questionnaire designed to identify the users’ cognitive engagement in search is considered for testing the interface designed to optimize the user’s involvement in search. Turning to the question of the design of the interface itself, the heuristic of assess-ability (of the information retrieved) is proposed for use in the expert review of the search interface, and to support the user in their critical assessment and verification of the information relevancy, quality and credibility

Where a Little Change Makes a Big Difference:A Preliminary Exploration of Children’s Queries

This paper contributes to the discussion initiated in a recent SIGIR paper describing a gap in the information retrieval (IR) literature on query understanding–where they come from and whether they serve their purpose. Particularly the connection between query variability and search engines regarding consistent and equitable access to all users. We focus on a user group typically underserved: children. Using preliminary experiments (based on logs collected in the classroom context) and arguments grounded in children IR literature, we emphasize the importance of dedicating research efforts to interpreting queries formulated by children and the information needs they elicit. We also outline open problems and possible research directions to advance knowledge in this area, not just for children but also for other often-overlooked user groups and contexts.Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository 'You share, we take care!' - Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public.Web Information System

Towards searching as a learning process: A review of current perspectives and future directions

We critically review literature on the association between searching and learning and contribute to the formulation of a research agenda for searching as learning. The paper begins by reviewing current literature that tends to characterize search systems as tools for learning. We then present a perspective on searching as learning that focuses on the learning that occurs during the search pro-cess, as well as search outputs and learning outcomes. The concept of ‘comprehensive search’ is proposed to describe iterative, reflec-tive and integrative search sessions that facilitate critical and creative learning beyond receptive learning. We also discuss how search interaction data can provide a rich source of implicit and explicit features through which to assess search-related learning. In conclu-sion, we summarize opportunities and challenges for future research with respect to four agendas: developing a search system that supports sense-making and enhances learning; supporting effective user interaction for searching as learning; providing an inquiry-based literacy tool within a search system; and assessing learning from online searching behaviour.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/145734/1/Rieh et al Towards searching as a learning process JIS2016.pd

Using contextual information to understand searching and browsing behavior

There is great imbalance in the richness of information on the web and the succinctness and poverty of search requests of web users, making their queries only a partial description of the underlying complex information needs. Finding ways to better leverage contextual information and make search context-aware holds the promise to dramatically improve the search experience of users. We conducted a series of studies to discover, model and utilize contextual information in order to understand and improve users' searching and browsing behavior on the web. Our results capture important aspects of context under the realistic conditions of different online search services, aiming to ensure that our scientific insights and solutions transfer to the operational settings of real world applications