Knowledge Retrieval and Semantic Systems

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Analyzing the Information-Seeking Behavior of Researchers in the Field of Art

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student in Knowledge and Information Science, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran

3 Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

This study investigated the information seeking behavior of art researchers in the process of searching for information on the web. This study is semi-experimental. It was conducted using observation, interview, and statistical analysis methods. The statistical population consisted of 48 art researchers who were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through Camtasia software to record the search process, semi-structured interviews to examine cognitive strategies, and a standard information seeking behavior questionnaire to measure related variables. Two search tasks were assigned to the participants: easy (finding a Latin article about Iranian art) and difficult (finding a related job opportunity abroad), and data analysis was performed using the Chi-square test. The findings showed that in easy searches, participants mainly used faster and more superficial strategies such as extensive use of the Google search engine (with a frequency of 976) and formulating search terms from general to specific. In contrast, in difficult searches, researchers resorted to more advanced analytical methods such as repeated modification of search terms, use of Boolean operators, and reference to specialized databases. The statistical data analysis showed that the total number of strategies adopted in the second task was 976 in the easy style and 959 in the difficult style, for a total of 1935 strategies, indicating that the level of complexity of the search tasks has a direct impact on the strategies used by researchers. This highlights the need to optimize information retrieval systems based on the needs of users and the level of complexity of their searches.

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References
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 References [In Persian]
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Knowledge Retrieval and Semantic Systems
Volume 12, Issue 42 - Serial Number 42
September 2024
Pages 221-246
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