Si-Lab
Search Interaction Lab
http://iakm-research.slis.kent.edu/~seaed/
Dr. Catherine L. Smith, PI (csmit141@kent.edu)
"We study how people use information systems like search engines and online libraries. Our research helps make search systems easier to use.
Studies in the Search Interaction Lab are ongoing. Active and past studies are listed below. Many studies provide a small payment for your time. A list of past closed studies is below."
You can click HERE to add your email address to our list so we can contact you about upcoming studies.
The lab focuses at two levels of granularity:
- The study of search behavior focuses on what people do when using a search system, as indicated by in situ log data and in factorial experiments.
- The study of query forumlation focuses on how the system affects a searcher’s selection of words when expressing an information need (a query).
Search expertise
- What is taught in formal training on search expertise?
- How does the search behavior of experts differ from that of novices?
- When search is easy/hard
- On structured/unstructured systems
- In the use of vocabulary resources
- What parts of search expertise are transferable across systems?
- What are the behavioral features of domain-independent search expertise?
- How can we design a system that helps people learn what to do when search is hard?
Query formulation
- How can we induce formulation of textual queries without using words? (methodological question)
- How can we describe the processes people use when selecting words for queries?
- How do search experts use vocabulary resources?
- How do search experts select words for queries?
- How does the interface affect the usefulness of vocabulary resources?
- For experts
- For non-experts
Upcoming and open studies
There are no studies at this time
Close prior studies
CLOSED: Search System Study 2 - spring 2016
CLOSED: Search System Study 2 pilot - summer 2015
CLOSED: Search System Study 2 baseline - spring 2015
CLOSED: Online Data Privacy Survey - fall 2014
CLOSED: Online Data Privacy Survey Pilot - spring 2014
CLOSED: Search System Study - spring 2013.
CLOSED: Search Education Study - spring 2012.
CLOSED: SES Methods Study - summer 2011