A cognitive model for searching for III-defined targets on the Web
Saito Mari, Kazunori Ohmura · 1998
We performed an experiment in which subjects were asked to find a gift for a friend using the Web.The subjects were divided into two groups, only one of which was instructed to form a mental image prior to the search.We found that subjects who formed a prior mental image took longer to complete their search and also reported higher degrees of satisfaction with their search result.We present a cognitive model in which the search takes place as an incremental refinement of search target candidates and their attributes. SEARCHING ACTIVITIES FOR ILL-DEFINED TARGETS IN THIS STUDYNormally users search for the information they want in a database, they describe their search strategies and attribute values as search conditions using attributes given by the database system.For example, a library or research paper database might provide an input area for titles or authors.Users then input appropriate attribute value such as title keywords or authors that match the desired search targets.