The effects of topic familiarity on information search behavior

ABSTRACT

We describe results from a preliminary investigation of the relationship between topic familiarity and information search behavior. Two types of information search behaviors are considered: reading time and efficacy. Our results indicate that as one's familiarity with a topic increases, one's searching efficacy increases and one's reading time decreases. These results suggest that it may be possible to infer topic familiarity from information search behavior.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.3 INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
      H.3.7 Digital Libraries
          Subjects: User issues

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems
          Subjects: Human factors

General Terms:
Human Factors

Keywords:
information seeking behavior, personalization, topic familiarity, user modeling