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The role of individual differences in Internet searching: An empirical study

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  • Nigel Ford
  • David Miller
  • Nicola Moss

Abstract

This article reports the results of a study of the role of individual differences in Internet searching. The dimensions of individual differences forming the focus of the research consisted of: cognitive styles; levels of prior experience; Internet perceptions; study approaches; age; and gender. Sixty‐nine Masters students searched for information on a prescribed topic using the AltaVista search engine. Results were assessed using simple binary relevance judgements. Factor analysis and multiple regression revealed interesting differences, retrieval effectiveness being linked to: male gender; low cognitive complexity; an imager (as opposed to verbalizer) cognitive style; and a number of Internet perceptions and study approaches grouped here as indicating low self‐efficacy. The implications of these findings for system development and for future research are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Nigel Ford & David Miller & Nicola Moss, 2001. "The role of individual differences in Internet searching: An empirical study," Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 52(12), pages 1049-1066.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jamist:v:52:y:2001:i:12:p:1049-1066
    DOI: 10.1002/asi.1165
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    Cited by:

    1. Chen, Sherry Y. & Macredie, Robert, 2010. "Web-based interaction: A review of three important human factors," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 30(5), pages 379-387.
    2. Udo, Godwin J. & Bagchi, Kallol K. & Kirs, Peeter J., 2010. "An assessment of customers’ e-service quality perception, satisfaction and intention," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 30(6), pages 481-492.
    3. Abeeha Batool & Schehar Bano & Dr. Muhamamd Aslam Khan & M. Naveed Akhtar & Almana Naeem & Bariha Batool, 2011. "Technology as a Black-box in E-business and its impact on Customer Satisfaction: Major Corporate Sector of Islamabad Areas, Pakistan," Far East Journal of Marketing and Management, Far East Research Centre, vol. 1(4), pages 28-53, December.
    4. Danilo M. Marchiori & Emerson W. Mainardes & Ricardo G. Rodrigues, 2018. "Validation of the ISS-QUAL and the role of gender, age and education on it service quality in the public sector," Information Technology and Management, Springer, vol. 19(4), pages 217-230, December.
    5. Judit Bar-Ilan, 2018. "Eugene Garfield on the Web in 2001," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 114(2), pages 389-399, February.
    6. Akano Tolulope, 2017. "Demographic Variables as Factors Influencing Accessibility and Utilisation of Library Software by Undergraduates in two Private Universities in Nigeria," Journal of Education and e-Learning Research, Asian Online Journal Publishing Group, vol. 4(3), pages 92-99.

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