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Dissertation Information for Peter Liebscher

NAME:
- Peter Liebscher

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science

SCHOOL:
- University of Maryland (USA) (1993)

ADVISORS:
- Gary Marchionini

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- Dagobert Soergel
- Elizabeth Aversa
- Marilyn Domas White
- Ben Abraham Shneiderman

MPACT Status: Fully Complete

Title: Information-seeking in hypertext: Multiple access methods in a full-text hypertext database

Abstract: This study focussed on the interaction between users, the system, and tasks during information retrieval in a full-text hypertext system. It drew on mental model theory to examine the users' views of information retrieval systems and how these views affected their information-seeking behavior in a hypertext system offering multiple access methods. The access methods provided for this study were an alphabetical index, an hierarchical subject index, Boolean string search, and a network browser. Eleven undergraduate participants and one expert in hypertext systems were given a number of tasks and were observed intensively and individually over five sessions, each lasting approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Access methods were used individually for the first four sessions. For the final session, all four access methods were available. Participants were given a total of 22 information retrieval tasks. Because the study was exploratory, no hypothesis testing was done. Eleven research questions served to guide the design of the protocols and the observations themselves. Results indicate that undergraduate users of new hypertext information systems use elements of existing mental models for information systems as they interact with the new system. Benefits are quick learnability of system syntax and the ability to apply known information-seeking strategies in the new environment. Drawbacks are inefficient or failed searches due to misapplication of mental models for familiar systems. String search proved to be the overwhelming choice of access method for hands-on retrieval tasks. Selection of string search was independent of task. Principal reasons for selection of string search were a desire to do word, rather than conceptual searches and to minimize the amount of text scanned/read. Hypertext features, such as text embedded highlighted links, were also used to minimize reading. User characteristics, such as subject knowledge, computer experience, and gender, rather than task characteristics, were factors in selection of access method. Overall, participants were successful in their retrieval tasks, but more successful using string search and the network browser than using the indexes. However, success was often attained through serendipitous browsing which indicates that the relatively small size of the database was also a factor.

MPACT Scores for Peter Liebscher

A = 0
C = 1
A+C = 1
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-01-31 06:08:16

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