Sense-making in a database environment

摘要

Data reported here were gathered from 26 novice users' search sessions on a full-text multi-file information retrieval system. The study had two aims: to evaluate the ability of novices to use such an information retrieval system and to analyze user information-seeking behavior in the software environment presented by this type of system. Information seeking was conceptualized using Dervin's sense-making approach as question-asking during the session. “Timeline” interviews produced open-ended, structured accounts of search sessions from the user perspective. These were content analyzed to develop descriptive accounts of question-asking behaviors, conditions and outcomes. Data on search success and users' system evaluations are also presented. Results indicate that search success was only moderate, although appraisals of interface effectiveness were higher. Information seeking was distributed widely throughout the search process, but was both most common and least successful regarding navigation within the system.