Theories Relating to Cross-device Search
Dan Wu, Jing Dong, Shaobo Liang · 2022
This chapter mainly discusses theories and conceptual models related to cross-device search, aiming to understand cross-device search behavior from a theoretical point of view. Theories and conceptual models related to exploratory search, successive search, and multi-session search are reviewed. A cross-device search is usually an exploratory search process because it requires multiple queries and sessions to complete a complex information need. Successive search is also related to cross-device search, which refers to the process of repeated, successive searching over time. A cross-device search is comprised of at least two successive search sessions (i.e., the pre-switch session and the post-switch session), and it is possible that repeated search activities occur between sessions. In the case of multi-session search, it is easy to understand its relation to cross-device search, for the latter is regarded as a particular case of cross-session search. This chapter will discuss theories and conceptual models related to exploratory search, successive search, and multi-session search, all of which are relevant to cross-device search.