Navigational and thematic exploration–exploitation trade-offs during web search

Effects of prior domain knowledge, search contexts and strategies on search outcome

Datos Bibliográficos

ID21452736
AutoresCheyenne Dosso (0000-0002-4386-5325, Department of Psychology, University Jean Jaurès, CLLE, Toulouse, France, autor de correspondencia), Lynda Tamine (0000-0002-3615-8032, Department of Psychology, University Paul Sabatier, IRIT, Toulouse, France), Pierre‐vincent Paubel (0000-0002-2376-4674, Department of Psychology, University Jean Jaurès, CLLE, Toulouse, France), Pierre-Vincent Paubel (Department of Psychology, University Jean Jaurès, CLLE, Toulouse, France), Aline Chevalier (0000-0002-2490-1212, Department of Psychology, University Jean Jaurès, CLLE, Toulouse, France)
Año2024
Volumen43
Número10
Páginas2232-2258
Fecha de publicación2024-07-26
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessNo
TipoARTICLE
RevistaBehaviour and Information Technology (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0144-929X • E-ISSN: 1362-3001
EditorialInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/0144929x.2023.2242514
OpenAlexW4385724657
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas2
Referencias citadas88

While a clear distinction is established between simple lookup tasks and complex exploratory tasks, few studies have documented the differences between complex lookup tasks and simple exploratory tasks. To address this empirical gap, which has implications for system adaptability, the present study focused on these differences and the impact of users’ prior domain knowledge (low vs. high) on exploration-exploitation search strategies (thematic and navigational). The effects of prior domain knowledge on information search performance were also investigated, as well as the extent to which the navigational and thematic search strategies predicted users’ search scores and learning outcomes. Sixty students (35 in psychology, 25 in computer science) were asked to perform two complex lookup tasks and two simple exploratory tasks within and outside their knowledge domain. Results showed that when users performed tasks in their knowledge domain, they formulated more specific queries, achieved higher search scores, and produced higher quality factual knowledge. Complex lookup tasks led to more thematic exploitation and more navigational exploration than simple exploratory tasks. The search strategies predicted output performances differently, depending on the search domain (in vs. out). In light of these results, solutions helping users to improve their search strategies are given

Domain (mathematical analysis) · Domain knowledge · Exploratory research · Exploratory search · Information retrieval · Qualitative research · Task (project management) · Thematic analysis · Thematic map · Artificial Intelligence · Computer Science · Engineering · Expert finding and Q&A systems · Information Retrieval and Search Behavior · Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods · Mathematics