Medical image users' search tactics across different search tasks

Image searching behaviors are complex interactions among many factors. This study sheds light on the effects of two key factors (domain knowledge and search tasks) on search tactics in order to provide implementation guides for designing medical image information systems. 41 participants were recruited to perform on three types of image search tasks. The preliminary results demonstrated that domain knowledge and search tasks have significant effects on two types of search tactics: Term Selection Tactics and Search Monitoring Tactics. More specifically, domain experts are more likely to use self-generated queries, spend longer time in reading instructions (preparation for searching). Novices were found to use more given or derived queries and to re-read instructions most in order to compensate for their inability to understand and memorize search topics. This study found that Specific Tasks result in more use of search tactics such as Re-reading Instructions than General Tasks and Abstract Tasks.

[1]  Philip J. Smith,et al.  Knowledge-Based Search Tactics , 1993, Inf. Process. Manag..

[2]  Gary Marchionini.  Information-seeking strategies of novices using a full-text electronic encyclopedia , 1989 .

[3]  Soohyung Joo,et al.  Transitions in search tactics during the Web-based search process , 2010 .

[4]  Bryce Allen,et al.  Cognitive and task influences on Web searching behavior , 2002, J. Assoc. Inf. Sci. Technol..

[5]  Elizabeth D. Liddy,et al.  The effects of expertise and feedback on search term selection and subsequent learning: Research Articles , 2005 .

[6]  Christoph Hölscher,et al.  Web search behavior of Internet experts and newbies , 2000, Comput. Networks.

[7]  Raya Fidel,et al.  The image retrieval task: implications for the design and evaluation of image databases , 1997, New Rev. Hypermedia Multim..

[8]  Tsai-Youn Hung,et al.  Search Moves and Tactics for Image Retrieval in the Field of Journalism: A Pilot Study , 2005 .

[9]  Rudolf Hanka,et al.  A review of intelligent content-based indexing and browsing of medical images , 1999 .

[10]  Elizabeth D. Liddy,et al.  The effects of expertise and feedback on search term selection and subsequent learning , 2005, J. Assoc. Inf. Sci. Technol..

[11]  Ingrid Hsieh-Yee,et al.  Effects of Search Experience and Subject Knowledge on the Search Tactics of Novice and Experienced Searchers. , 1993 .

[12]  Antonio C. Siochi,et al.  A State Transition Analysis of Image Search Patterns on the web , 2003, CIVR.

[13]  Youngok Choi,et al.  The communication of meaning and the structuration of expectations: Giddens' “structuration theory” and Luhmann's “self-organization” , 2010 .