The effect of personality traits on file retrieval

File retrieval is important for Personal Information Management (PIM). If retrieval fails, people cannot re-use files that they created or other people shared with them. In this paper, we examined the effect of personality traits on retrieval success and efficiency in two studies. Study 1 (n = 60) examined the effect of the Big Five personality traits. Study 2 (n = 300) evaluated the effect of other personality traits that we hypothesized would improve retrieval: need for control, orderliness, memory, computer literacy, minimalism, stress resistance, sociability and empathy. None of the tests we conducted were significant, meaning that even if future effects are identified, they will most probably be weak. In contrast, significant effects on retrieval success and efficiency were previously found for factors such as: sharing method, file collection size, number of collaborators sharing the file, file versions, recency since last retrieval, folder depth and workload. Nevertheless, the null-results we report here are important because the failure to publish non-significant results can have a negative influence on re-search. Otherwise these effects may be repeatedly studied until significant results emerge and are published, possibly because of a type I error

Why do some people search for their files much more than others? A preliminary study

Purpose: Previous research has repeatedly shown that people only search for files in a small minority of cases when they do not remember the file's location. The current study aimed to examine whether there is a group of hyper-searchers who search significantly more than others. Based on previous neurocognitive studies, this study aims to hypothesize that if such a group exists, they will have superior verbal memory and reduced visuospatial memory. Design/methodology/approach: In total, 65 participants completed a questionnaire estimating their search percentages, as well as reporting demographic data. Verbal memory was measured using the Wechsler logical memory test, and visuospatial memory was assessed using an online card memory game. Findings: Hyper-searchers were defined as participants with search percentage of over one standard deviation (SD) above the mean. The average search percentage of the seven participants who met this criterion was 51% (SD = 14%), over five times more than the other participants (M = 10%, SD = 9%). Similar results were obtained by re-analyzing data from four previous papers (N = 1,252). The results further confirmed the hypothesis that hyper-searchers have significantly better verbal memory than other participants, possibly making searching easier and more successful for them. Lastly, the search percentage was positively predicted by verbal memory scores and negatively predicted by visuospatial memory scores. Explanations and future research are discussed. Originality/value: This preliminary study is the first to introduce the concept of hyper-searchers, demonstrate its existence and study its causes

Attributes of Personal Electronic Records

The purpose of this article is to identify the key attributes of personal electronic records in order to develop systems that may enable people to manage them in the home. As more personal information becomes electronic, this is increasingly necessary. Personal electronic records were identified and categorised using interviews and virtual guided tours. Three main attributes were identified: primary user-subjective categories; attributes which identify the circumstances that give rise to the records; and attributes which describe the legal validity of each record. In addition to providing an improved understanding of personal electronic records in the home, these attributes are developed into a set of potential metadata fields