Logical Reasoning and Retrieval Performance.
Bryce Allen · Library & Information Science Research · 1993
The logical reasoning ability of end users of a CD-ROM index was tested, and associations between different levels of this ability and aspects of retrieval performance were assessed. Users'selection of vocabulary and their selection of citations for further examination are both influenced by this ability. Accordingly, the design of information systems should address the effects of logical reasoning on search behavior. In particular, people with lower levels of logical reasoning ability may experience difficulty using systems in which user selectivity plays an important role. Other systems, such as those with ranked output, may decrease the need for users to make selections and would be easier to use for people with lower levels of logical reasoning ability