The effects of cognitive load on query reformulation: mental demand, temporal demand and frustration

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyoungsik Na
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Load ◽  
User Interfaces ◽  
Information Search ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Query Reformulation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mental Demand ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Nasa Tlx

PurposeThis study explores the effects of cognitive load on the propensity to reformulate queries during information seeking on the web.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs an experimental design to analyze the effect of manipulations of cognitive load on the propensity for query reformulation between experimental and control groups. In total, three affective components that contribute to cognitive load were manipulated: mental demand, temporal demand and frustration.FindingsA significant difference in the propensity of query reformulation behavior was found between searchers exposed to cognitive load manipulations and searchers who were not exposed. Those exposed to cognitive load manipulations made half as many search query reformulations as searchers not exposed. Furthermore, the National Aeronautical and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) cognitive load scores of searchers who were exposed to the three cognitive load manipulations were higher than those of searchers who were not exposed indicating that the manipulation was effective. Query reformulation behavior did not differ across task types.Originality/valueThe findings suggest that a dual-task method and NASA-TLX assessment serve as good indicators of cognitive load. Because the findings show that cognitive load hinders a searcher's interaction with information search tools, this study provides empirical support for reducing cognitive load when designing information systems or user interfaces.

When two heads are better than one

2016 ◽  
Vol 68 (5) ◽  
pp. 545-565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyoungsik Na ◽  
Jisu Lee
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Load ◽  
Information Search ◽  
Interface Design ◽  
User Study ◽  
Search Time ◽  
Task Type ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Collaborative Search ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the differences between collaborative and individual search techniques in a scenario-based task focussed on query behavior, cognitive load, search time, and task type about the search. Design/methodology/approach To help understand the influences on searching for relevant information in pairs or individual contexts, the authors conducted an exploratory user study with 30 participants, using two search tasks completed in a controlled laboratory setting. Findings On the basis of the analysis, the authors found that collaborative search teams resulted in more queries, more diverse query terms, and more varied query results compared to those working individually. The study results indicated that the cognitive load imposed on the participants did not differ between a collaborative search and an individual search except for the component of performance on the NASA Task Load Index. The results further showed that the total search time was a significant difference on average between the two conditions (i.e. individual information search and collaborative information search) for the second task. And there were significant differences of the mean of total search time between the two tasks for the both conditions. The authors also found that there was no significant relationship between query behavior and the total cognitive load. Originality/value The findings from this study have implications for a better understanding of collaborative search interface design, searchers’ cognitive load, query behavior, and general collaborative information search.

How reading in single- and multiple-column types influence our cognitive load: an EEG study

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 593-606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hosam Al-Samarraie ◽  
Atef Eldenfria ◽  
Fahed Zaqout ◽  
Melissa Lee Price
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Load ◽  
Cognitive Processing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Brain Signals ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Reading Text ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Electroencephalogram Eeg ◽  
Instructional Design Practices ◽  
The Brain

Purpose The impact of different screen-based typography styles on individuals’ cognitive processing of information has not been given much consideration in the literature, though such differences would imply different learning outcomes. This study aims to enrich the current understanding of the impact of reading in single- and multiple-column types on students’ cognitive processing. Design/methodology/approach An electroencephalogram (EEG) was used to record and analyze the brain signals of 27 students while reading from single- and multiple- column layouts. Findings The results showed a significant difference in students’ cognitive load when reading text from different types of columns. All students exerted less processing efforts when text was presented in two-column format, thus experiencing less cognitive load. Originality/value Using EEG, this study examined the neural consequences of reading in single- and multiple-column types on cognitive load during reading. The findings can be used to enrich the current instructional design practices on how different typographical formats facilitate learners’ cognitive performance.

Understanding online health information consumers' search as a learning process

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 859-881
Author(s):  
Yijin Chen ◽  
Yiming Zhao ◽  
Ziyun Wang
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Query Sequence ◽  
Query Reformulation ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conceptual Changes ◽  
Health Consumers ◽  
Information Consumers

PurposeThis study considers online searching by health information consumers as a learning process. We focus on search sequences, query reformulation, and conceptual changes.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative user study (30 participants; three health information seeking tasks) investigated mobile searching behavior. Recorded screen activity, questionnaires, and in-depth personal interview data were collected and analyzed.Findings(1) Search platform sequences of health information consumers in search as a learning process were exacted and their features were highlighted. (2) Query sequence and reformulation pattern of health information consumers were exacted and discussed. (3) The types and degree of conceptual changes of health consumers were reflected by their query reformulation behavior and differ from different health information search tasks. (4) Characteristics of health consumers' search as learning process were revealed.Research limitations/implications(1) A novel perspective of consumer health information studies was proposed by exacting search platform sequence, query sequence and linking them with conceptual changes during the search as learning process. (2) Conceptual changes in the searching as a learning process are regarded as a measure of search outcome in this study, in which terms extracted from queries were used to reflect conceptual changes in consumers' mind. (3) Our findings provide evidences that types of health information seeking tasks do have significant influences on the search as a learning process.Practical ImplicationsThe findings of this study can lead to the fit-to-needs of the search platforms, provide advice for information architecture of search list of search platforms, and guide the design of knowledge graph of health information systems.Originality/valuePotential relationships between information-seeking behavior and conceptual changes in search as a learning process relative to health information were revealed.

Muslims’ travel decision-making to non-Islamic destinations: perspectives from information-seeking models and theory of planned behavior

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed M. Adel ◽  
Xin Dai ◽  
Rana S. Roshdy ◽  
Chenfeng Yan
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Planned Behavior ◽  
Information Search ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Government Websites ◽  
The Government ◽  
Travel Decision

Purpose The present research extends the existing literature of halal tourism and Muslims’ travel decision-making by applying information-seeking models and the planned behavior theory to identify the process of decision-making to travel to non-Islamic destinations. This study aims to identify the views of Muslim travelers who traveled before to non-Islamic destinations to evaluate their information search experience and how their travel decision is formed. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews are conducted with a sample of Muslim travelers who visited a non-Islamic destination during the past five years. Data saturation resulted in 17 interviewees from different Islamic destinations, namely, Egypt, Morocco, Sudan and Pakistan. Findings Muslim interviewees indicate the relative importance of reference groups compared to the government websites as a source of information. This study concludes some remarkable results regarding the importance of some halal marketing strategies such as halal searchability and availability, halal certification and appraisal, halal at airports and halal hotels. It presents an emergent framework that shows the factors affecting visiting a non-Islamic destination regarding halal issues for Muslim travelers. Practical implications It provides destinations’ official tourism managers with various strategies to brand their destinations as Muslim-friendly destinations. Originality/value Investigating the process of decision-making of traveling to non-Islamic destinations from Muslim travelers’ perspective is limited. Examining the role of information-seeking behavior in Muslim travelers’ decision-making is scarce.

scholarly journals El estilo de comunicación del entrenador como predictor de la carga de trabajo percibida en jóvenes futbolistas (Coach communication style as a predictor of perceived workload in young football players)

Retos ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 868-874
Author(s):  
Roberto Silva Flores ◽  
Jaume Mas Riera ◽  
Alexandre Garcia-Mas
Keyword(s):  
Communication Style ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Communication Styles ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Managerial Communication ◽  
Mental Demand ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Perceived Workload ◽  
Nasa Tlx ◽  
Video And Audio

  El objetivo del presente trabajo fue conocer las implicaciones del estilo comunicativo del entrenador durante la realización de la actividad en la carga de trabajo percibida por jugadores jóvenes de fútbol. En el estudio participaron dos equipos de la categoría cadete, siendo un total de 32 jugadores (M = 15.19; SD = 0.39), y sus dos respectivos entrenadores. La recogida de datos tuvo lugar en dos entrenamientos diferentes, con un intervalo de una semana entre cada actividad. La carga de trabajo se midió mediante el NASA-TLX adaptado a la herramienta de Google Forms que los jugadores contestaron después de la actividad. Para analizar la comunicación del entrenador se utilizó la grabación en video y audio de la actividad para un posterior análisis a través de una adaptación del CBAS. Aunque los entrenadores presentan dos estilos comunicativos distintos, los resultados no muestran una diferencia significativa entre los dos equipos en la carga de trabajo percibida. Sin embargo, el estilo comunicativo directivo presenta una tendencia a una mayor exigencia mental, una mayor frustración y un menor rendimiento percibido.  Abstract. The aim of this study was to know the implications of the coach's communicative style during the performance of the activity on the workload perceived by young soccer players. Two teams from the cadet category participated in the study, with a total of 32 players (M = 15.19; SD = 0.39), and their two respective coaches. Data collection took place in two different workouts, with an interval of one week between each activity. The workload was measured using the NASA-TLX adapted to the Google Forms tool that the players answered after the activity. Regarding the analysis of the coach's communication, video and audio recording of the activity was used for subsequent analysis through an adaptation of CBAS. Although the coaches have two different communication styles, the results don’t show a significant difference between the two teams in perceived workload. However, the managerial communication style presents a trend towards greater mental demand, greater frustration and lower performance perceived.

Information seeking and searching strategies as plans and patterns of action

2016 ◽  
Vol 72 (6) ◽  
pp. 1154-1180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reijo Savolainen
Keyword(s):  
Information Search ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Web Searching ◽  
Text Book ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Main Emphasis ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Key Aspects

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to elaborate the picture of strategies for information searching and seeking by reviewing the conceptualizations on this topic in the field of library and information science (LIS). Design/methodology/approach The study draws on Henry Mintzberg’s idea of strategy as plan and strategy as pattern in a stream of actions. Conceptual analysis of 57 LIS investigations was conducted to find out how researchers have approached the above aspects in the characterizations of information search and seeking strategies. Findings In the conceptualizations of information search and information seeking strategies, the aspect of strategy as plan is explicated most clearly in text-book approaches describing the steps of rational web searching. Most conceptualizations focus on the aspect of strategy as pattern in a stream of actions. This approach places the main emphasis on realized strategies, either deliberate or emergent. Deliberate strategies indicate how information search or information seeking processes were oriented by intentions that existed previously. Emergent strategies indicate how patterns in information seeking and seeking developed in the absence of intentions, or despite them. Research limitations/implications The conceptualizations of the shifts in information seeking and searching strategies were excluded from the study. Similarly, conceptualizations of information search or information retrieval tactics were not examined. Originality/value The study pioneers by providing an in-depth analysis of the ways in which the key aspects of strategy are conceptualized in the classifications and typologies of information seeking and searching strategies. The findings contribute to the elaboration of the conceptual space of information behaviour research.

The Impact of Sociocultural Factors on Students’ ICT Information-Seeking Practices: Postgraduate Students’ Perceptions at a Zimbabwean University

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (1 & 2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bongani Ngwenya ◽  
Theuns Pelser
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Cultural Differences ◽  
Information Search ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of cultural differences on students’ information-seeking, management and evaluation practices in an online information and communication technology (ICT) environment. The study was conducted at a Zimbabwean university on postgraduate students (male and female) (N=156), employing the questionnaire technique as data collection instrument. While there is a dearth of empirical studies on the use of ICT in Zimbabwe, the extant literature in this field shows a significant difference between the success and failure in the use of ICT sources for learning purposes among students in developing and developed countries. This study is premised on the proposition that “information seeking” is socioculturally bounded and the successful use of online information sources is significantly linked to the students’ perceptions of particular ICT platforms and how they are configured to facilitate specific information search outcomes. After the data collection process, the computer analysis software programme, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), was employed to obtain the cross-tabulations and chi-squared statistical tests. The main findings of the study show a statistically significant difference in students’ information-seeking practices. The study identified the importance of students’ cultural contexts in the successful use of ICT and concludes that cultural differences influence online information-seeking practices among students. The study recommends that the impact of cultural differences be considered when students are introduced to the use of ICT as an information-seeking tool and suggests that future studies, both qualitative and quantitative, be pursued to improve students’ information-seeking practices to enhance their success.

Information behaviour of humanities PhDs on an information literacy course

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronan Madden
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Search ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
First Year ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Information Behaviour ◽  
Literacy Course ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to examine whether an information literacy course/module is an appropriate intervention during the initial months of a humanities PhD, and if there is more that can be learned from the course participants that might provide a better understanding of their information behaviour. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was distributed to new humanities PhD students prior to their attending the course. A second questionnaire was distributed to those who had completed the course in full. Interviews were conducted with six participants to gain a richer understanding of how their information-seeking needs had evolved. Findings – Despite the relatively generic nature of the module, and the diversity of humanities research, the course had clear benefits for the participants. In their first year, scoping their topic and finding quality information can pose a challenge. The participants reported that the most appropriate time to attend the course is during the initial months. Some preferred to attend (or repeat) particular units later as workshops. The most valued elements were those that helped them bridge initial gaps. Face-to-face delivery is preferred. There is some potential for further one-to-one contact with librarians and additional follow-up workshops. Practical implications – This study can inform how librarians can better support PhD researchers in the humanities. Originality/value – The study is based around an established and accredited humanities PhD course that has already been adapted in various ways in terms of content and timing of delivery. Drawing on Kuhlthau's “Information Search Process”, the study seeks a deeper understanding of a specific humanities group during the initial months of their PhD research.

scholarly journals The interplay of affective and cognitive factors in information seeking and use

2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 175-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reijo Savolainen
Keyword(s):  
Information Search ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Cognitive Factors ◽  
Biological Information ◽  
Search Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Affective Factors ◽  
The Social ◽  
Good Potential

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to elaborate the conceptual picture of the relationships between the affective and cognitive factors in information seeking and use. Design/methodology/approach – Conceptual analysis focusing on the ways in which the affective and cognitive factors and their interplay are approached in the Information Search Process model developed by Carol Kuhlthau, and the Social-Biological Information Technology model elaborated by Diane Nahl. Findings – Kuhlthau’s model approaches the cognitive factors (thoughts) and affective factors (feelings) and affective-cognitive factors (mood) as integral constituents of the six-stage information search process. Thoughts determine the valence of feelings (positive or negative), while mood opens or closes the range of possibilities in a search. Nahl’s taxonomic model defines the affective and cognitive factors as components of a biologically determined process serving the ends of adaptation to information ecology. The interplay of the above factors is conceptualized by focusing on their mutual roles in the cognitive and affective appraisal of information. Research limitations/implications – The findings are based on the comparison of two models only. Originality/value – So far, information scientists have largely ignored the study of the interplay between affective and cognitive factors in information seeking and use. The findings indicate that the examination of these factors together rather than separately holds a good potential to elaborate the holistic picture of information seeking and use.

scholarly journals Profiling information-seeking behaviour of distance learning students in Wawasan Open University

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vighnarajah ◽  
Farzanah Ali Hassan ◽  
Norhasni Abd Aziz ◽  
Ooi Siew Lee
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
First Year ◽  
Open University ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Significant Difference

Purpose Wawasan Open University Library undertook a survey study, based on the Wilson’s revised model of information behaviour (1999), to profile information-seeking behaviour of their distance students in using library resources in their research and learning activities. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Using random sampling method, samples were selected to ensure proper representation of the population across four schools of studies and five regional centres. A total of 550 questionnaires were sent to undergraduate and postgraduate students, and 435 completed questionnaires were returned with a success response rate of 79 per cent. Findings Findings indicated significant differences between undergraduate and postgraduate students in using the university’s MyDigital Library and physical library for their information needs. Findings also indicated significant difference between first-year and post-first-year students in using internet search engines as part of their information-seeking process. Practical implications Students improving on their information-seeking behaviour in the learning and research work paved way for them to better experience university vivacity and not isolate themselves from distance learning. Originality/value This paper acknowledges the importance of promoting good information-seeking behaviour among distance learners in the scholarship of learning and research work. The paper also amplifies the important role library plays in minimizing students’ sense of isolation in university learning experience.

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