Computer, system, and subject knowledge in novice searching of a full-text, multifile database
Thomas L. Jacobson, David S. Fusani · Library & Information Science Research · 1992
General computer experience and knowledge of a specific system being used at any one time are often assumed to be important predictors of successful information retrieval sessions. Individual differences such as cognitive and learning styles may also play some role. Both sets of variables have been studied in recent information retrieval research. However, thus far, subject knowledge in the area being searched has generally been overlooked as a key factor. This study examines the experiences of novice end users with a multifile, full-text information retrieval system. A regression model is developed of the relative contribution of computer, system, and sybject area knowledge to search success. Success is operationalized as userss judgments of the relevance of retreived documents. Results indicate that all three variables play a role in search sucess as defined