An exploratory study of user searching of the World Wide Web: A holistic approach

Presents preliminary results of an exploratory study of users' interaction with Web resources in finding factual information using a holistic approach. The purpose of this study is two-fold: (1) to understand Web users behaviors and need; (2) to test a methodology for studying users' interaction with the Web. A process-tracing technique, together with tests of cognitive style (Embedded Figure Test), anxiety levels (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), and self-report computer experience, provided data on how users interact with the Web in the process of finding factual information. Affective state can be affected by Web search results, especially how the person feels about the results. Cognitive styles and time spend on searches seems to be correlated for certain type of questions.