The SST Method Schema: a Tool for Analysing Work Task-Based Web Information Search Processes

Abstract

Searching the World Wide Web in order to solve work related needs can be a very complex process. In order to be able to analyse problems that may arise during Web information search processes the researcher has developed a method schema that maps factors that influence during the search processes (e.g. the searcher, the searcher's environment, the work task at hand, the specific search task, and factors related to the searcher-system interaction). These factors form a conceptual framework suggesting relationships between the factors. The researcher also proposes a set of techniques (or ´method´) that can be used to collect data on such processes as well as techniques developed to analyse the data.

The researcher suggests that the Web search processes can be compared to how decision-makers face complex tasks; they deliberately only take into account a restricted number of alternatives and consequences; they adjust their goals and targets as the process evolves; and they re-evaluate resources according to their change of goals. Further he distinguishes between web interaction in real documents and document surrogates.

The method schema is created using a combination of deductive and inductive methods. Previous research on information behaviour has been explored to derive ideas about how to treat Web information behaviour and a group of students were observed in order to identify further factors. A pilot study resulted in a refined conceptual framework and suggestions of data collection and analysis techniques.

In order to justify the method schema a specific method was developed to analyse how a group of students searched the Web for dealing with information needs related to their theses. The justification study showed that the method schema was applicable for such purposes. In addition the analysis of the students search behaviour indicated how factors such as their work task goal, search task strategies, topic (´work task´) knowledge, search knowledge, and their work task stage directly influence the search process. For example does the study indicate that the goal of the work task directly influence the level of relevance applied by the student when evaluating the Web documents. Further it may seem that searchers' knowledge about the work task influences their model of the Web, and that knowledge about how to search bibliographic databases does not necessarily lead to correct use of Web search tools.

Searching the World Wide Web in order to solve work related needs can be a very complex process. In order to be able to analyse problems that may arise during Web information search processes the researcher has developed a method schema that maps factors that influence during the search processes (e.g. the searcher, the searcher's environment, the work task at hand, the specific search task, and factors related to the searcher-system interaction). These factors form a conceptual framework suggesting relationships between the factors. The researcher also proposes a set of techniques (or 'methods') that can be used to collect data on such processes as well as techniques developed to analyse the data.

The researcher suggests that the Web search processes can be compared to how decision-makers face complex tasks; they deliberately only take into account a restricted number of alternatives and consequences; they adjust their goals and targets as the process evolves; and they re-evaluate resources according to their change of goals. Further he distinguishes between web interaction in real documents and document surrogates.

The method schema is created using a combination of deductive and inductive methods. Previous research on information behaviour has been explored to derive ideas about how to treat Web information behaviour and a group of students were observed in order to identify further factors. A pilot study resulted in a refined conceptual framework and suggestions of data collection and analysis techniques.

In order to justify the method schema a specific method was developed to analyse how a group of students searched the Web for dealing with information needs related to their theses. The justification study showed that the method schema was applicable for such purposes. In addition the analysis of the students search behaviour indicated how factors such as their work task goal, search task strategies, topic ('work task') knowledge, search knowledge, and their work task stage directly influence the search process. For example does the study indicate that the goal of the work task directly influence the level of relevance applied by the student when evaluating the Web documents. Further it may seem that searchers' knowledge about the work task influences their model of the Web, and that knowledge about how to search bibliographic databases does not necessarily lead to correct use of Web search tools.